In an above-average entry to an established series and a useful, modestly engaging biography, the author demonstrates that a careful, close reading of the Paulsen oeuvre and the judicious mining of selected biographical details can be shaped into an involving read. Fine (Under the Lemon Moon, 1999) clearly has read most of Paulsen’s autobiographical adult work, notably Eastern Sun Winter Moon (1993), though she assiduously avoids any overt references to alcohol use, sexuality, or violence and skips the scatological details so vividly presented in such juvenile works as Harris and Me (1993). Despite the well-laundered “life,” though, Fine does truly get Paulsen’s essence, and she effectively communicates the immense appeal he holds—especially for teenage boys. She marches the reader smartly through Paulsen’s life to date and makes efficient use of his interviews, speeches, and letters. However, those expecting a unique take on his career or aesthetic will need to look elsewhere. Any insights here are Paulsen’s own. Paulsen’s life experiences and distinctive voice come through loud and clear and both are central to this biography’s readability. Anyone new to Paulsen and his work will find a clearly blazed trail to map future reading, while Paulsen’s fans will experience an acute desire to reach for a favorite book. Libraries that experience heavy requests for author biographies or YA author criticism may want to stock up. Unfortunately, the high price and short discount may make multiples prohibitive. Still, those seeking a single monograph on this popular ALA/YALSA Margaret Edwards Award–winner will find this a useful resource. To be illustrated with black and white photos. (Index, notes, Web sites, bibliography) (Biography. 12+)
Pub Date: May 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7660-1146-1
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Enslow
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
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