My Body, My Choice

Starred review from April 1, 2019
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* Reproductive rights have a long history of conflict and controversy around the globe, and this exceptional installment in the Orca Issues series (2 titles) provides an in-depth look at abortion rights and services, both historically and as they exist today. It begins by defining abortion, before presenting a comprehensive history of abortion rights in the U.S. and Canada, enriched by key pieces of legislation, stories of activism, and testimonials from women about their own abortions. Stevenson (Pride, 2016) deliberately calls attention to marginalized groups (the poor, women of color, trans or gender-nonconforming individuals, and the disabled) whose experiences and options have been, and continue to be, vastly different from those afforded to white or wealthy women. Later chapters highlight young sexual health and abortion activists from around the world. Photos of the diverse supporters of this cause and abortion-related comics illustrate the book, drawing attention to the universal nature of this issue. With impeccable research, statistics, a resource list, and thorough source notes, this illuminating resource should be required reading for teens of every gender.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2015

Gr 7-10-In the opening scene of this problem novel about depression and suicide, 16-year-old Melody's friend Jeremy jumps off a bridge. In flashbacks and forward, Melody wrestles with her guilt, her complicity in encouraging Jeremy's darkness for its romantic nature, and her own fascination with death. The backdrop of autumnal Florida during a death row watch by Melody's activist anti-capital-punishment mother provides rich context for the teens' morbid curiosity, with a sweet counterpoint offered by Melody's bright eight-year-old babysitting charge and her fascination with black holes. Stevenson skillfully plots the frequent scene changes through different time periods, revealing just enough at just the right times, and making her protagonist's voice ring true as a smart, skeptical, white middle-class teen. No worries about a pat, simplistic ending either; these are characters who will continue to learn, grow, and change beyond the end of these concise pages. Not too intense or depressing for its subject matter, this will have most appeal to upper middle school and early high school readers who like serious topics, such as fans of Patricia McCormick and Sonya Sones.-Rhona Campbell, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-While one in four women in North America has an abortion by age 45, there is still an immense stigma around this usually low-risk medical procedure. This text explains why stigma still exists as well as the past, present, and future of abortion rights worldwide. This guide first discusses what abortions are and the types usually performed. Stevenson then delves into the history of abortion, and the fight for abortion rights in North America and across the globe. Following this breakdown, the writer explains how and why abortion rights have been fought against, followed by highlighting medical professionals and students who have supported the right to choose, abortion myths and facts, and the religious community's and government's impact on reproductive rights. More importantly, readers learn how racist and sexist attitudes and laws still unfairly impact an individual's right and ability to obtain birth control or have a safe abortion. The guide concludes with personal stories of individuals who have had abortions and addresses that there are communities often left out of the conversation. Readers will appreciate and find value in the colorful photographs and illustrations, quotes, and comics provided and will finish the guide feeling empowered. Youth will be armed with concrete tips and advice on how they can help fight against abortion stigma and support their right and others' right to make this important decision for themselves. VERDICT This comprehensive, empowering, and accessible resource will be of great use to teens interested in learning more about reproductive rights either for school or for personal knowledge.-Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 1, 2019
A nonfiction book about reproductive justice focusing primarily on the U.S. and Canada.Stevenson's (Pride, 2016, etc.) stated goal in writing this book was to spark conversation and destigmatize this common medical procedure. The introduction makes the work's abortion-rights stance clear: Medical abortion is 10 times safer than childbirth, and without legal abortion, women die from unsafe ones. Chapter 1 provides historical context for the criminalization of abortion and contraception in the U.S., linking it directly to racism and white supremacy. This sets the stage for the fight for legal abortion in the U.S. and Canada, which is discussed at length in Chapter 2. Subsequent chapters focus on a range of topics related to attacks on abortion rights in the U.S. and Canada, challenges to abortion access globally, and key issues surrounding racial justice, trans inclusion, and concerns of the disability rights community. Each chapter includes information about activists, with young people featured in the last chapter. The book is visually appealing, with bold design that includes photos, cartoons, sidebar quotes, and maps in eye-popping full color. Minor quibble: Many photos are undated.Well-researched and visually appealing, this is a boon for those seeking clear, comprehensive information from the perspective of the reproductive rights movement. (author's note, glossary, resources, references, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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