Stories of the Spirit of Justice is a comprehensive series of historical accounts of the struggles of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Spanning Colonial period, to the early 21st century, this book includes the Jan. 6th insurrection and how racist policy is still a problem as of 2024. After the 2024 presidential election, books such as this are even more valueable in teaching social justice to rising generations of young American voters. I recommend this book for children age 9+ and teens. I also recommend this book especially to school libraries for the vast spread of historical figures. This book is an excellent secondary source for a young student researching material for a writing assignment, especially because each account mentions primary sources the account was drawn from.

Read cover to cover, Stories of the Spirit of Justice is an excellent introduction to the history of racism in the Americas. The book is very careful in regards to its accuracy, pointing out what details have been lost to time. Each biography is a gem of brevity, ranging from three to five pages each. Modern day chapters focus on anti-racist organizations and their founding collective as opposed to individuals.

Each chapter is acommpanied with an illustration of unshaded paint with charcoal-like outlines, alluding to a African and abstract art. Portraits capture the legendary silhouettes that we have come to recognize these figures by, from Harriet Tubman's kerchiefed head to MLK's broad chin. These illustrations are important for giving shape and personality for each individual account, as well as helping children recognize their faces in future photographs they may see throughout their research.

Thanks to Jemar Tisby and Zonderkids Books for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, posted on Goodreads on November 10th 2024.