Strong stuff clearly expressed.
Explains what fake news really is and why it matters.
Opening with descriptions of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol invasion and misinformation about the outcome of the 2020 election that has continued to fuel distrust in the election process, Sheen explains that these are part of a wider problem of proliferation of fake news that affects us all. She devotes her first chapter to defining fake news, touches on its long history and the ways it is spread, and explores the reasons some people believe it. A second chapter focuses on science denial, with special emphasis on responses to Covid-19. A third section looks at political and social movements, including responses to the Black Lives Matter movement, Russian influence in the 2016 election and beyond, domestic extremists, and unethical political leaders. Although most of the politicians called out are Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump, the author offers examples of Democrats as well. A final chapter describes efforts to combat fake news, including action by social media platforms and media literacy education. Sheen provides pros and cons for governmental oversight. The backmatter includes a handy list of ways to spot fake news and another of useful organizations and websites. Some topics are given special boxed treatment, quotes are pulled out for emphasis, and there are photographs throughout to break up the text. The author’s concern is evident, and she includes ample documentation as well as explanation.
Strong stuff clearly expressed. (picture credits, source notes, further research, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-67820-240-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 10, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
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