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

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
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
July 31, 2018
Informational

"It's Time to Pick Up Where Dr. King Left Off"

Michael Dunn, a white male, shot and killed Jordan Davis, an unarmed African-American male, while Davis was in a parked vehicle at a gas station. This segment from 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets profiles various perspectives regarding the role that race played in the killing.
by
Marc Silver
Grade Level
Subject
Civics
History
Social Justice Domain
August 19, 2016
Literature

I, Too

Langston Hughes, a voice of the Harlem Renaissance, writes of a black man banished to the kitchen when company arrives. This same man looks to the future, for a day when he will sit at the table to eat with company, because he, too, is an American.
by
Langston Hughes
Grade Level
6-8
Subject
History
Social Justice Domain
July 5, 2014
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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