Necessary reading, particularly for those who think the battle is won and done.
A provocative analysis of the changes wrought on U.S. sports at every level by Title IX and the complex issues that the legislation has, over the years, been used to address.
Cronn-Mills trots out flurries of heartening statistics to show how much American women’s participation in education and organized sports has increased since the 37-word rule (which she quotes in full) was added to a federal bill in 1972. But along with cogently arguing that equality is not the same as true equity (and that both remain elusive anyway), she expands the ongoing controversy’s scope by discussing at some length the conflicts and nuances that issues of racism and transphobia have added to the evolving notion of gender—and stoutly countering claims that trans competitors have unfair physical advantages. The stock photos are sparse and, at times, look more like filler, but racial representation in them is diverse and inclusive, as are the frequent shoutouts to significant voices for change, from Billie Jean King and Simone Biles to nonbinary Olympic skateboarder Alana Smith. Her conclusion that the battle for equal opportunity is still being fought because sexism is endemic in our society is persuasive, as is her argument that a profound shift in culture that demands change is the only way toward real resolution.
Necessary reading, particularly for those who think the battle is won and done. (glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: April 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-72841-947-3
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Jan. 10, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 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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