Student Texts
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Our searchable library of short texts offers a diverse mix of stories and perspectives. This multigenre, multimedia collection aligns with the Common Core's recommendations for text complexity and the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards.

Choose from informational and literary nonfiction texts, literature, photographs, political cartoons, interviews, infographics and more. You can also filter by text type, grade level, subject and topic.

“The leveled texts have really helped me engage students and introduce them to complex topics in a way they can understand.”

Text Type
Grade Level
Social Justice Domain
Subject
Topic

621 Texts

Informational

Untamed Border

This chapter depicts the violent relationship between Tejanos (Texas Mexicans) and Texas Rangers in the late 19th century and early 20th century, culminating in the notion that “though a Tejano spent his life under the watchful eyes of whites, he was beneath all notice in death.”
by
Jim Carnes
Grade Level
Subject
History
Geography
Social Justice Domain
February 8, 2017
Visual

Iesha Evans

Protesting the death of Alton Sterling and the Baton Rough Police Department’s request for Black Lives Matter demonstrators to clear roadways, Iesha Evans stands in the middle of a street as two Louisiana state troopers, dressed in riot gear, approach to arrest her.
by
Jonathan Bachman
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Social Justice Domain
January 30, 2017
Informational

The Silencing of Mary Dyer

In this chapter, Carnes details oppression experienced by the early New England colonists. In particular, he chronicles Mary Dyer’s path from a once uncomfortably conforming Puritan to an outspoken Quaker unshaken by threats, banishment and even death.
by
Jim Carnes
Grade Level
January 23, 2017
Literature

The First 100 Days

When two sides fail to come together after a classroom election, the teacher institutes the 100 Days plan to try to keep the newly elected accountable and the remaining students apprised of what they can expect from their new president.
by
Jarah Botello
Grade Level
3-5
Subject
Civics
Social Justice Domain
January 3, 2017
Informational

Brothers In Hope: The Story of The Lost Boys of Sudan

In this excerpt, Garang tells his story of how he became a lost boy when war destroyed his village. Walking with thousands of other orphaned boys, Garang travels thousands of dangerous miles from southern Sudan to a refugee camp in Ethiopia.
by
Mary Williams and R. Gregory Christie (illustrator)
Grade Level
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
September 30, 2016
Literature

(A)wake

In this poem, the speaker traces the senseless killings taking place abroad and at home, with a particular focus on the African-American community. The speaker also calls communities to action to "grow our hope and heal our hearts" in order to live together in peace.
by
Jessica Kobe
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Geography
Social Justice Domain
September 26, 2016
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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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