An excellent starting point for teens to learn about a critical issue.
An overview of polarization in American political life.
The necessity of a peaceful transition of power, the personal impact of living in a polarized nation, the rapid spread of misinformation, and the threat of extremist violence are among the topics explored in this informational book about issues that have placed U.S. democracy in a state of crisis. Through a carefully scaffolded design, the author explains how the actions of rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, represent “a threat to democracy” grounded in an erosion of norms that are central to democracy. Readers are also introduced to ways that voting has been disrupted: for example, through voter suppression directed at Black Southerners that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The closing chapter emphasizes how young people can be actively involved in saving American democracy by becoming involved, informed, media-literate citizens who work to expand voter turnout and speak up for what they believe in. Using personal stories, well-placed and timely photos, and statistics that highlight the full political spectrum, this text explores how preserving American democracy, including the principles of the “freedom to vote and express political opinions,” depends on people working together “for the good of society.” Rockler takes a challenging time in American history and through a professionally researched publication challenges youths: “Do not give up.”
An excellent starting point for teens to learn about a critical issue. (source notes, organizations and websites, further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9781678207229
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
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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