Student Texts
Bookmarked 227 times

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

622 Texts

Informational

I Didn't Know There Were Cities in Africa: Challenging Children's-and Adult's-Misperceptions about the African Continent

In her article, Randolph delineates the profound impact of perpetuating stereotypical representations of Africa and its people by arranging them into three levels and then providing recommendations for how to combat them when creating learning experiences for students in the United States.
by
LFJ Staff
Grade Level
Topic
Subject
History
Geography
Social Justice Domain
September 28, 2018
Informational

To Serve With Honor

Leonard Matlovich, a U.S. Air Force sergeant, was awarded the Purple Heart for service in Vietnam, but discharged soon after telling his captain he was gay and appearing in uniform on the cover of Time magazine with the words, "I Am a Homosexual" emblazoned next to him. While he may have "settled" in his fight against the Air Force, he was a pioneer in the fight for gay and lesbian rights in the military.
by
LFJ Staff
Grade Level
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
September 28, 2018
Multimedia

A Student Remembers Her School's 'Lunch Man,' Philando Castile

On July 6, 2016, Philando Castile was pulled over by police near Saint Paul, Minn., after being misidentified as a robbery suspect. He was then shot and killed by an officer during the traffic stop. In this StoryCorps edition, Chad Eisen-Ramgren has a conversation with his 10-year-old daughter, who was a student at the school where Mr. Phil managed the cafeteria.
by
StoryCorps
Grade Level
3-5
Topic
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
September 28, 2018
Multimedia

The History of African-American Social Dance

Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together.
by
Camille A. Brown
Grade Level
Subject
History
Geography
Social Justice Domain
September 28, 2018
Multimedia

The Atlantic Slave Trade: What too few textbooks told you

Slavery has occurred in many forms throughout the world, but the Atlantic slave trade-which forcibly brought more than 10 million Africans to the Americas-stands out for both its global scale and its lasting legacy. Anthony Hazard discusses the historical, economic and personal impact of this massive historical injustice.
by
Anthony Hazard
Grade Level
Subject
History
Economics
Geography
Social Justice Domain
September 28, 2018