A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution
Starred review from August 6, 2018
Rich, an activist and assistant advocacy director for the New York Civil Liberties Union, presents an inspiring and practical handbook for meaningful resistance. Rich lays the groundwork for grassroots organizing, first establishing a common language with readers and exploring topics such as power, privilege, inequity, intersectionality, and patriarchy. There are a lot of reasons for girls and women to be mad, she suggests, using the examples of gender stereotypes, the gender wage gap, and societal hypersexualization of girls. Rich encourages readers to home in on the causes that most inspire them to act, and to set clear goals. She details specific steps readers can take to plan rallies, circulate petitions, and raise community awareness about pertinent issues. This pertinent and bold guide—featuring Sagramola’s warm illustrations rendered in blue and orange tones—is likely to become a go-to resource for young activists. Ages 14–up.
Starred review from October 1, 2018
Gr 7 Up-A immensely valuable guidebook for young women seeking to make a difference. Rich effortlessly breaks down complex strategies and concepts into practical know-how. The first chapter, titled "Power Up the Girl Resistance," lays out the groundwork and explains the history of feminism, including defining key terms. The text then succinctly moves through choosing a cause, spreading awareness, and being a catalyst for change. Rich addresses the importance of intersectionality and early on invites readers to check their privilege and determine their biases. Rich also provides a great number of templates, from a budget and expenses table to a sample press release, that readers could easily adapt for their own uses. The book's design, along with Sagramola's confident cartoon girls, is fresh looking and nicely favors muted colors. VERDICT With references to pop culture, social media, and timely example scenarios, this book is highly recommened for YA collections.-Kat Paiva, Rye Public Library, NH
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