Activist

September 15, 2019
Hogg relates her experience of surviving the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and her journey to becoming a gun control advocate. This is a strong--and unfortunately relevant--addition to the publisher's series of graphic treatments of contemporary social issues. Hogg tells her tale in a compelling voice, and the book begins with a page of arresting graphics, showing slender, then-high school freshman Hogg. She introduces herself and relates that she was on campus when 17 people died of bullet wounds on Valentine's Day 2018. After revealing that two of her close friends died in the massacre, Hogg notes, "I lost my friends, but I found my calling." A full page shows her and other students--fists in the air--beneath the slogan #NEVERAGAIN. Anecdotes about Hogg's relationships with her mother, father, brother, and closest friends cleverly both inform readers about Hogg's personality and foreshadow later incidents. In the midsection, Hogg relates her memories of the fateful day of the shooting. The images are appropriately gripping but never sensationalized. The final section covers grief, survivor guilt, and increasing empowerment--including students challenging the National Rifle Association. The use of "congressmen" for both male and female members of Congress is a startling regression, especially since Hogg is so politically aware. Hogg is white, and the diversity of her school community is represented in the illustrations. Inspiring and heartbreakingly timely. (about the author, photographs, note for parents) (Graphic memoir. 10-14)

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October 15, 2019
Grades 7-12 Hogg tells her story of activism, tragedy, and survival in this personal account of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting. Readers meet Lauren as she grows up with her mom teaching activism, her dad teaching sacrifice, and her brother David, who also survived, teaching courage and survival. Lauren's story includes a time line of that horrific incident but also what led to her activism, strength, and resilience in a difficult time for her community and the nation. The full-color artwork does a nice job illustrating the narrative, from the early days of the story to the tragic event she experienced. The panels and text are easy to follow and give a firsthand account of her experience and the steps she's taken with fellow students to make sure that this happens #neveragain. Photos are also included to give readers a look into Lauren's life as well as a link to a teacher's guide. A great book written for teens by a peer that shows how, out of tragedy, strength and hope can grow.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)