Informative, accessible, and compelling.
An engaging look at the past, present, and future of space exploration and the challenges it poses.
This mix of straightforward relaying of facts and narrative nonfiction retellings of significant space-related events maintains an easy-to-follow conversational tone. Throughout the book, the authors pose intriguing questions, such as, “What if two countries want to build in the same location on the Moon? Or what if there isn’t enough water for everyone? Who will resolve conflicts that arise‚ or set guidelines for humans living in space?” They dive into space history—for example, the Cold War space race—connecting science and government by explaining the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and the geopolitical implications of how we define where space actually begins. Through descriptions of the International Space Station and interpretations of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, readers see how intergovernmental cooperation occurs in space. The book also covers the dangers of space debris, the implications of new technology, the advent of space tourism, and more. Finally, there’s encouragement (“turn your curiosity into action”) to continue exploring as a citizen scientist or by pursuing one of the many careers that support space exploration, whether as a dietician, journalist, teacher, or judge at the International Court of Justice. Ample photographs, interesting quotes from experts, well-designed graphics, and thoughtful text boxes make this a work with broad appeal.
Informative, accessible, and compelling. (acronyms, authors’ note, picture credits, source notes, further reading and viewing, selected bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025
ISBN: 9781682635377
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Margaret Quinlin Books/Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2024
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
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future.
An adaptation for teens of the adult title A Queer History of the United States (2011).
Divided into thematic sections, the text filters LGBTQIA+ history through key figures in each era from the 1500s to the present. Alongside watershed moments like the 1969 Stonewall uprising and the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the text brings to light less well-known people, places, and events: the 1625 free love colony of Merrymount, transgender Civil War hero Albert D.J. Cashier, and the 1951 founding of the Mattachine Society, to name a few. Throughout, the author and adapter take care to use accurate pronouns and avoid imposing contemporary terminology onto historical figures. In some cases, they quote primary sources to speculate about same-sex relationships while also reminding readers of past cultural differences in expressing strong affection between friends. Black-and-white illustrations or photos augment each chapter. Though it lacks the teen appeal and personable, conversational style of Sarah Prager’s Queer, There, and Everywhere (2017), this textbook-level survey contains a surprising amount of depth. However, the mention of transgender movements and activism—in particular, contemporary issues—runs on the slim side. Whereas chapters are devoted to over 30 ethnically diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer figures, some trans pioneers such as Christine Jorgensen and Holly Woodlawn are reduced to short sidebars.
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future. (glossary, photo credits, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 11, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8070-5612-7
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Beacon Press
Review Posted Online: March 12, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
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