Stories of the Spirit of Justice

Read by the author.

New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby collects the true, impactful stories of figures from across history—from the well-known to those often forgotten—who resisted racism and created a legacy of hope and perseverance. Each short biography is paired with an illustration to help inspire young readers to continue to work toward justice today.

We are living in the civil rights movement of our day. But the challenges of the present call us to remember the past. Throughout American history, there has always been a resilient group of people who, motivated by their faith, resisted oppression and pushed for greater equality and liberty for all. From well-known figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman, to those time has nearly forgotten, all these people tapped into an abiding spirit of justice to pursue the dignity of all people.

Stories of the Spirit of Justice is the companion book for young readers ages 8-12 to Jemar Tisby’s The Spirit of Justice and tells the story of the justice movement through short biographies of the figures who did the work. With illustrations depicting the people profiled and practical tips connecting readers to the continued fight for justice, this is essential reading for everyone who still dreams of a land where all are truly free.

Stories of the Spirit of Justice:

• covers the colonial era to the present day


• includes inspiring takeaways from each person’s life and a bibliography for further reading


• roots each story in the historical moment, with descriptions of the state of justice in different eras in American history


• can be used by families and church or school groups to start meaningful conversations with kids