Can Your Smartphone Change the World?

July 24, 2017
In the first book in the PopActivism series, first-time author Paisley highlights the power of the internet as a tool for activism. In 2015, when Paisley was a high school senior in British Columbia, she created her prom dress from old homework assignments, donating the money she would have spent on one to the Malala Fund; her story went viral. Over eight chapters dotted with photos and inspirational quotes, Paisley highlights activists making the most of digital tools and celebrity, including rapper Sofia Ashraf, who uses her music to speak out against pollution; vlogger Zoella, who raises mental health awareness; and Miley Cyrus, who has promoted a variety of causes. Striking a casual but persuasive tone, Paisley demonstrates that fighting for one’s beliefs can be fun, creative, and effective—especially when social media is involved. Ages 12–up.

June 15, 2017
Paisley offers short overviews of various social justice campaigns whose advocates have used social media to get the word out. Canadian teen Paisley recounts her surprise when photos posted online of her prom dress--made from old math homework papers and tape--went viral. She'd inscribed a phrase on the dress calling attention to gender disparity in access to schooling as well as the URL for malala.org and used the opportunity to call attention to equal-education champion Yousafzai's organization. From this starting point, Paisley explores a number of other instances in which platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter have been used by activists, both celebrities and not, to promote causes such as mental health awareness, climate change, feminism, LGBTQ rights, and food insecurity. In brief, clear chapters, augmented with plentiful photos, pull quotes, and pop quizzes that pose questions and conversation starters, she employs an upbeat conversational tone in addressing her audience. Her blend of personal story, tips, and information will appeal to activism-minded teens, though the print format requires readers to take a few extra steps to connect to the many mentioned hashtags, YouTube channels, and other online sources. Further guides written by Paisley in this Popactivism series are also slated for upcoming publication. Older preteens and teens will find plenty of inspiration here. (Nonfiction. 10-18)

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August 1, 2017

Gr 6 Up-In this lively first installment, author/activist Paisley recounts her experience in creating a social media awareness campaign. This showcase of youth-created campaigns, which have ignited international conversations about gender equality, homophobia, bullying, and environmental justice, will give naysayers pause. Paisley, readers might remember, went viral with her dress made with old homework that sported the red-inked message, "I've received my education. Not every woman has that right." (She donated the money saved by making her prom dress to the Malala Fund.) Paisley details the life-changing experience of having hundreds, then thousands of "likes," and the consequent media exposure given to the cause. The chapters are easy to digest with photos, quotes, statistics, and a thought-provoking series of pop quizzes (each visually laid out as if on a cell phone) to get teen readers to plan and create their own campaigns. Detailed ways young activists can use Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube will educate the adults in young people's lives as well. This DIY activism series will find a wide audience with digital media fanatics in search of a raison d'etre. VERDICT These stories about kids who used art, fashion, music, and media to spread a political message of empathy and altruism will inspire readers to use that powerful device stored in their pockets for good. A fabulous addition to nonfiction collections.-Sara Lissa Paulson, City-As-School High School, New York City

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