Teaching Tough Topics is an invaluable resource for educators looking to navigate complex social issues in the classroom. The book is thoughtfully structured around challenging themes such as race, the immigrant and refugee experience, Indigenous identities, the Holocaust, physical and mental challenges, poverty, death and loss, gender identity, homophobia, bullying and kindness. Each chapter delves into these topics with expert perspectives, practical strategies and model lessons that leverage children’s literature to foster deeper understanding and empathy among students.

Author Larry Swartz is a veteran classroom teacher and an instructor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto. His approach is practical and grounded, providing educators with concrete tools and techniques to introduce and explore these complex issues with sensitivity and care. The inclusion of book lists and detailed lesson plans helps educators seamlessly integrate topics into their curriculum, making the book a practical companion for everyday teaching.

This book aligns well with curriculum expectations across multiple grades. It supports the Language curriculum by encouraging reading comprehension and critical thinking using children’s literature texts that deal with social justice themes. It also connects with the Social Studies curriculum by addressing historical and contemporary social issues such as race, immigration, and Indigenous identities and by promoting an understanding of diverse perspectives. For Health and Physical Education, the book’s discussion of topics like bullying, gender identity and mental health align with the curriculum’s focus on personal safety, physical and emotional well-being, and respect for diversity.

Overall, Teaching Tough Topics is a highly recommended resource for educators committed to fostering a more inclusive and socially aware classroom environment. Its practical strategies and curriculum connections make it an essential tool for addressing complex social issues through literature.

Iyanuoluwa Akinrinola is a member of the Durham Occasional Teacher Local.