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.”

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Social Justice Domain
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96 Texts

Literature

For My People

In 1942, “For My People” won the Yale Series of Younger Poets award, and Margaret Walker became one of the youngest black writers to have published poetry in the 20th century. Her poem makes tangible the African American struggle, yet also brings to the forefront a hope for all people to “rise and take control” during a dark period in American history.
by
Margaret Walker
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Economics
Geography
Social Justice Domain
December 30, 2015
Informational

Declaration of Dependence

As a means to reduce and regulate child labor in the United States, the National Child Labor Committee composed a declaration, citing the current state of child labor and three resolutions to the situation.
by
National Child Labor Committee (A.J. McKelway)
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Economics
Social Justice Domain
December 30, 2015
Informational

John Brown's Speech to the Court at His Trial

John Brown was charged with murder, insurrection and treason after the raid on Harpers Ferry. After being found guilty and while awaiting his sentencing, he was asked if there was any reason he should not be given the death sentence. He responded with this speech.
by
John Brown
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Social Justice Domain
November 2, 2015
Visual

Manzanar, 1942

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, over 110,000 Japanese Americans, mostly U.S. citizens, were incarcerated in “War Relocation Camps.” These photographs were taken at Manzanar, one of the ten Japanese internment camps, in 1942.
by
Clem Albers and Francis Stewart
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Social Justice Domain
September 3, 2015
Informational

Remarks on Signing the Immigration Act of 1965

The Immigration Act of 1965 abolished the "country-of-origin" immigration quota system and established a system of entry based on skills and family relationships with U.S. residents. In addition to his remarks about these changes, President Johnson announced asylum for Cuban refugees.
by
Lyndon B. Johnson
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Economics
Social Justice Domain
June 11, 2015
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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.

Learn More