Equity and Social Justice Book List
The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is proud to offer Summer Scholarships to support gifted students in pursuing enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These scholarships provide financial assistance for students to attend summer programs, camps, and other specialized learning opportunities that align with their unique talents and interests. Whether exploring STEM, the arts, leadership, or other advanced studies, our scholarships help ensure that all gifted students have access to meaningful growth experiences. WATG is committed to fostering the potential of Wisconsin's gifted youth by expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities.
As part of the application, students must submit either an essay or a video/multimedia presentation, along with one reference letter from a teacher or a non-family member. The essay or presentation should address the following:
- Personal background and advanced enrichment needs.
- A description of the summer program or class you wish to attend and the reasons for your interest in it.
- An explanation of why you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship.
Student Summer Scholarships
Logo Contest
Calling all creative K-12 students across Wisconsin! Each year, Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted invites students to design a logo for our Annual Conference, and we're excited to see your creativity shine.
Deadline Extended: April 15, 2025 at midnight
Theme for the 2025 Conference: Take a Chance on Gifted Education!
Conference Dates: October 5–7, 2025
Location: Wisconsin Dells
Size: No larger than 4" x 4"
Color: Black and white only
Adaptability: Must be scalable (use bold lettering and simple, non-intricate designs)
Submit your original logo design to help us represent this year's theme! Winning artwork will be featured in conference materials and recognized statewide.
How to Submit: Email your logo to watg@watg.org
Across the Alley
Description: Across the Alley tells the story of two children who live near each other but experience the world very differently, gradually forming a quiet connection across cultural and social boundaries.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book encourages gifted readers to infer meaning from subtle interactions and reflect on perspective, empathy, and unspoken bias.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3YcUkGv
All American Boys
Description: All American Boys presents a powerful, dual-perspective narrative about a racially charged incident of police violence and its impact on two teenagers from different backgrounds.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The alternating viewpoints and moral complexity challenge gifted students to analyze bias, justice, and responsibility while engaging in meaningful dialogue.
Ideal for: Middle and high schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MZ75Sx
Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky
Description: This imaginative story follows a young boy who travels through time with his aunt to witness key moments of the Underground Railroad.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: By blending fantasy with historical fact, the book deepens understanding of history while encouraging critical thinking and curiosity.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MJgIoy
Baseball Saved Us
Description: Baseball Saved Us tells the story of a Japanese American boy who finds hope and belonging through baseball while living in an internment camp during World War II.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book introduces complex historical injustice and resilience through a child’s perspective, prompting thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pYNQr8
The Black Book of Colors
Description: This unique book describes colors through textures, emotions, and experiences rather than sight, reflecting the perspective of a blind child.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its abstract language and sensory-rich metaphors encourage flexible thinking and deepen students’ understanding of perspective.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4b3YWWY
Boxers and Saints
Description: Boxers and Saints is a pair of graphic novels that present two opposing viewpoints during the Boxer Rebellion in China.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The dual narratives require sophisticated analysis, helping gifted readers understand how history is shaped by perspective and belief.
Ideal for: Middle and high schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/496KUBf
Brown Girl Dreaming
Description: Written in verse, Brown Girl Dreaming is Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir of growing up Black in the American South and North during the 1960s and 1970s.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The poetic structure and layered themes invite deep analysis of identity, voice, and historical context.
Ideal for: Upper elementary through middle school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3YHAbbL
Chocolate Me
Description: Chocolate Me tells the story of a young boy who learns to embrace his dark skin after experiencing teasing and self-doubt.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book supports thoughtful conversations about self-image, bias, and resilience, even for younger advanced readers.
Ideal for: Early elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pbdB6f
Chrysanthemum
Description: Chrysanthemum follows a young mouse who struggles with teasing about her unusual name before learning to embrace it.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Beneath its simple story, the book offers opportunities for discussion about identity, kindness, and belonging.
Ideal for: Kindergarten through second graders
Link:
https://amzn.to/48V7GgU
Counting Descent
Description: Counting Descent is a collection of poems that explores race, family, heritage, and perseverance through vivid imagery and voice.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The dense language and emotional depth challenge gifted readers to analyze metaphor, tone, and theme.
Ideal for: Middle and high school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4qop17E
The Crayon Box That Talked
Description: This story uses a box of crayons to show how differences can come together to create something beautiful.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its clear metaphor encourages abstract thinking and meaningful conversations about diversity and collaboration.
Ideal for: Early elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pVLvx5
The Diary of a Young Girl
Description: The Diary of a Young Girl is Anne Frank’s firsthand account of hiding from the Nazis during the Holocaust.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The diary’s emotional honesty and historical significance provide rich opportunities for ethical reflection and deep discussion.
Ideal for: Middle and high schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3YcV1zB
Each Kindness
Description: Each Kindness tells the story of missed opportunities for compassion when a child realizes too late that small acts of kindness matter.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The understated ending invites deep reflection, moral reasoning, and discussion about empathy and responsibility.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3L0qpyo
Esperanza Rising
Description: Esperanza Rising follows a young girl who must rebuild her life after fleeing Mexico and facing poverty in the United States.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The novel explores resilience, class, and cultural identity through rich language and character development.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4aOjZwT
Follow the Blackbirds
Description: This novel tells the story of a Japanese American girl whose family is forced into an internment camp during World War II.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The emotional depth and historical context support thoughtful discussion about injustice and resilience.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4avk5Jr
Freak the Mighty
Description: Freak the Mighty follows two boys with very different challenges who form an unlikely friendship.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book explores identity, intelligence, and friendship while offering layered themes beneath an accessible narrative.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4p7KCju
Freedom Over Me
Description: Freedom Over Me uses poetry to imagine the lives of enslaved individuals listed in a historical document.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The poetic structure and emotional intensity invite advanced analysis of voice, history, and humanity.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/48R7rTU
Granddaddy's Gift
Description: Granddaddy’s Gift explores a boy’s relationship with his grandfather and the legacy of civil rights activism.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book connects personal history to larger social movements, encouraging reflective thinking.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pOCR3b
Grandfather Gandhi
Description: This book examines the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his grandson, highlighting personal struggles with anger.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It humanizes a historical figure and invites discussion about self-control and moral growth.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3LbQhr3
The Great Migration: An American Story
Description: This book chronicles the mass movement of Black families from the South to the North in search of opportunity.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It blends history, art, and narrative, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4945QZF
The Hiding Place
Description: The Hiding Place recounts Corrie ten Boom’s experiences hiding Jews during the Holocaust.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The memoir explores faith, courage, and moral responsibility under extreme circumstances.
Ideal for: Middle and high school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4jctPe0
The Hundred Dresses
Description: This classic story follows a girl who is bullied for her poverty and uniqueness.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its emotional nuance supports deep discussion about kindness, regret, and empathy.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pcbcZ8
I Am Malala
Description: I Am Malala tells the true story of a girl who stood up for education despite grave danger.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The memoir encourages global awareness, courage, and advocacy.
Ideal for: Middle and high schoolers
Links
Iggie's House
Description: This novel explores friendship and racism when a Black family moves into a previously all-white neighborhood.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It invites thoughtful discussion about prejudice and allyship.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4jl3haA
Inside Out and Back Again
Description: Written in verse, this novel follows a Vietnamese girl adjusting to life in America after fleeing war.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The poetic form and emotional depth support advanced literary analysis.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/493hCn7
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Description: This survival story follows a girl living alone on an island for years.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book explores independence, resilience, and human connection.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4qtht3I
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Description: This novel explores mental health through a teen’s experience in a psychiatric hospital.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Kids: It supports honest conversations about emotional complexity and self-awareness.
Ideal for: High schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pXDaZG
Last Stop on Market Street
Description: This picture book follows a boy and his grandmother as they reflect on gratitude and community.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its layered message encourages philosophical thinking even in young readers.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/45nKu8u
Lillian's Right to Vote
Description: This book traces one woman’s lifelong journey to exercise her right to vote.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It connects history with perseverance and civic engagement.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/49qCPsw
A Long Walk to Water
Description: This novel intertwines two stories of survival in war-torn Sudan.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages empathy, global awareness, and critical discussion.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MZ188a
Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary
Description: This biography examines the life and influence of Malcolm X.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports critical analysis of leadership, justice, and activism.
Ideal for: Middle and high school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MOVVjj
Maniac Magee
Description: Maniac Magee follows a gifted boy navigating homelessness and racial division.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The book blends humor with serious social themes.
Ideal for: Middle school readers
Link:
https://amzn.to/49rLJGg
Molly's Pilgrim
Description: This story explores immigration and belonging through a Thanksgiving project.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It challenges assumptions and supports cultural understanding.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4s6mK2x
The Name Jar
Description: A young girl considers changing her name to fit in at school.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The story invites reflection on identity and self-acceptance.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4sd9vgq
Number the Stars
Description: This historical novel tells the story of Danish resistance during the Holocaust.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It balances suspense with moral complexity.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/49pjsA2
One Green Apple
Description: This picture book follows a newcomer navigating language and culture at school.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports symbolic thinking and empathy.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4jeYN5l
One of a Kind, Like Me
Description: This story celebrates self-expression and acceptance through fashion and family support.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages authenticity and open-mindedness.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4972Prt
The Other Side
Description: This book explores racial segregation through the friendship of two girls separated by a fence.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The metaphor supports higher-level discussion of justice and courage.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pVMCwL
Out of My Mind
Description: This novel centers on a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy who cannot speak.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It challenges assumptions about intelligence and ability.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pYP9X4
The Outsiders
Description: This classic novel explores class conflict and identity among teenagers.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its themes remain relevant and support literary analysis.
Ideal for: Middle and high school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3NfP5U3
Painting for Peace in Ferguson
Description: This book documents art as a response to community trauma.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It highlights activism through creative expression.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/491KZaV
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story
Description: This biography tells how a diplomat saved thousands during the Holocaust.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It explores moral courage and ethical leadership.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/45iOwyX
Rain Reign
Description: This novel follows a girl with autism navigating loss and loyalty.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It offers emotional depth and complex characterization.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4jeZ4VV
Red Scarf Girl
Description: This memoirs recounts growing up during China’s Cultural Revolution.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports critical historical and political analysis.
Ideal for: Middle and high school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4awIkam
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Description: This novel depicts a Black family confronting racism in the Jim Crow South.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages discussion about justice, courage, and resilience.
Ideal for: Upper elementary and middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MSj9Fc
Rules
Description: This story follows a girl learning empathy through her brother with autism.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports perspective-taking and emotional intelligence.
Ideal for: Middle school readers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4p812sg
Seedfolks
Description: This novel shows how a community garden brings diverse people together.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its multiple perspectives support analytical thinking.
Ideal for: Middle school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4sabRNl
Sit-In
Description: This nonfiction book tells the story of the Greensboro sit-ins.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It connects civic action with historical change.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/49qnBUr
The Sneetches and Other Stories
Description: Dr. Seuss explores prejudice and conformity through satire.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: The allegory encourages abstract and ethical thinking.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4qothnG
Stealing Home
Description: This biography examines Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It integrates sports, history, and civil rights.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4pXDZ4I
Stepping Stones
Description: This book traces a refugee family’s journey to safety.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It builds empathy and global understanding.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4b5D7Gz
The Story of Ferdinand
Description: This classic tells of a bull who chooses peace over aggression.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages philosophical discussion about strength and choice.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/497UlQS
Strictly No Elephants
Description: This story explores exclusion and friendship through metaphor.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports nuanced conversations about belonging.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3NgBX0U
Sylvia and Aki
Description: This dual narrative explores segregation through two girls’ experiences.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It highlights perspective and historical complexity.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/4p81gj6
Those Shoes
Description: This story follows a boy learning about generosity and priorities.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It encourages reflection on values and empathy.
Ideal for: Elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MJoiQ5
Through My Eyes
Description: Ruby Bridges recounts her experience integrating a segregated school.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It provides a powerful firsthand historical perspective.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3LbRn69
To Kill a Mockingbird
Description: This classic novel examines racism and justice through a child’s perspective.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports advanced literary and ethical analysis.
Ideal for: High school students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3Y6FGR9
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
Description: This novel blends humor and history during the Civil Rights Movement.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It balances accessibility with emotional depth.
Ideal for: Middle schoolers
Link:
https://amzn.to/3MVDsBB
Wonder
Description: This story follows a boy with facial differences navigating school life.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: It supports empathy and multiple perspectives.
Ideal for: Upper elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/4qbaTPD
Yo! Yes?
Description: This simple story shows how friendship begins with small steps.
Why It’s Great for Gifted Students: Its minimal text invites inference and discussion.
Ideal for: Early elementary students
Link:
https://amzn.to/3Y6ZSlZ
