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

622 Texts

Informational

A Personal Mission: Sammy Younge Jr.

Although raised in a prosperous and prestigious African-American home in Tuskegee, Ala., Sammy Younge found himself drawn most to the civil rights movement. While the cause cost him his life, his actions and determination helped to transform this Southern city.
by
Learning for Justice Staff
Grade Level
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
July 31, 2018
Informational

The Thrilling Tale of How Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom

This story is the retelling of Robert Smalls' escape from slavery with his entire family in tow. With a plan "as dangerous as it was brilliant," Smalls commandeers a Confederate ship and successfully navigates it out of Charleston's blockaded port and into the hands of the Union army.
by
Cate Lineburg
Grade Level
6-8
Topic
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
July 31, 2018
Literature

Silver Candlesticks

After serving a 19-year sentence, Jean Valjean ends up on the Lord Bishop's doorstep, where he is offered a warm meal and bed to sleep in. Although he steals from the bishop, in the end, he earns redemption and a second chance thanks to the bishop's wise and caring ways.
by
Victor Hugo
Grade Level
6-8
Topic
Social Justice Domain
July 31, 2018
Informational

John Quincy Adams to the Inhabitants of the 12th Congressional District

A letter written by John Quincy Adams to the 12th Congressional District regarding the use of the "Gag Rule" to prevent him from reading petitions by enslaved people on the floor of the House of Representatives. Adams argues that the Gag Rule is a violation of petitioners' rights, and to ignore this violation would endanger the rights of all Americans.
by
John Quincy Adams
Grade Level
Topic
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
February 20, 2018