A practical, fact-filled volume for research and classroom usage.
A concise overview of a currently newsworthy topic.
Centered around a controversial subject that has gained momentum due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, this title starts with that controversial decision, then backtracks to briefly explore the history behind abortion rights in the U.S. The second chapter describes the lead-up to the June 24, 2022, ruling, explaining legal principles, the dissenting opinion, and other context for understanding the originalist interpretation of the Constitution. Next, the book moves on to the responses in various states. Chapter 4, “Feeling the Effects,” looks at the impact on individuals, helping readers understand the complexities of the health decisions individuals face, the reasons why people choose to terminate a pregnancy, and differing religious views. The aftermath of the ruling—responses by employers, struggles for access to abortion pills through the mail, and more—is the focus of the fifth chapter. Finally, “The Push for New National and Interstate Laws” looks ahead to what is to come in terms of legislation and increased divisions between states. Clearly designed for report and classroom usage, the book includes primary documents as well as quotes from experts in various fields. This compact guide written in accessible language with ample color photos and infographics will be helpful for reports. Though somewhat limited in scope, it’s a solid starting point for research.
A practical, fact-filled volume for research and classroom usage. (photo credits, source notes, organizations, further research, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9781678205126
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
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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