A solid, thorough introduction to haves and have-nots—and why it matters.
Economic inequality unpacked and explained for teen readers.
Pointing out that economic inequality has an impact on everyone in society, Dyer and Bernard define it, explain how it’s measured, and show how other factors—for example, social status, gender, health, race, and nationality—contribute to it. They focus on the 38 countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Examples, drawn from many of these nations, include some scenarios that will feel familiar to North American readers and others that will broaden their global awareness. The writers argue that while inequality has been a perennial problem since humans developed agriculture, recent trends—automation, globalization, and the financialization of economies—have exacerbated things. Today’s more egalitarian countries, they say, have governments that support middle-class people and assist poorer citizens, resulting in societies that are healthier and safer. Finally, they encourage readers to use what they’ve learned to take action. Each topic is clearly identified with a headline, covered clearly and concisely, and summarized at the end of the chapter. Further sources are incorporated throughout. Though the subject is complex, the physical layout and design of this title are accessible and inviting, with relatively short chunks of text and plentiful drawings, charts, graphs, and white space. While most graphs are sourced, individual facts and figures in context are not.
A solid, thorough introduction to haves and have-nots—and why it matters. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-77321-700-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
PERSPECTIVES
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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