Activism

February 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-This guide introduces the major issues addressed by young activists and shares the stories of real teens fighting for what they believe in. Gay describes 10 causes and the ways in which kids and teens have taken action. Some sections stress facts and statistics more than activism, particularly in chapters on sexual assault and climate change. Because of the grassroots and often localized nature of activism and the emphasis on current topics, the sources cited are primarily blogs and websites. The title is thoroughly researched and highlights diverse teen activists across the country. Gay offers historical perspectives and many resources for further reading and viewing. The information is up-to-date, including the latest about gay marriage and immigration reform. However, a major oversight is the omission of the generation-defining Occupy and Black Lives Matter movements-though the author does discuss the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray. Additionally, the material in some sections is scattered and lacks cohesion, as Gay jumps from story to story, and the bland stock images with vague descriptions add little value. VERDICT Because this volume falls somewhere in between a how-to guide and research material, it may be difficult for it to find an audience. But once teens begin to read, they will gain knowledge about timely topics and may be inspired to act for change.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

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