A straightforward if unexceptional survey.
An introduction to the broad topic of mental health for teen readers.
Citing current concerns about teen mental health, Roland addresses teens directly with information and advice. After a brief introduction stressing the importance of paying attention to psychological and emotional health as well as physical health, the author goes on to define his topic. He identifies factors that affect mental health, describes problematic symptoms, and discusses sensible strategies for self-care as well as encouraging concerned readers to reach out for help. In general, the book’s information and advice are sound, if somewhat superficial. Roland covers anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD in particular and also mentions bipolar disorder, eating and substance abuse disorders, and schizophrenia; he also addresses self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Text boxes highlight particularly helpful background information, including one box on the greater mental health risks that LGBTQ+ people face. Exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep are some of the suggested self-care strategies. The chapter on reaching out includes descriptions of what might happen during a teen’s first visit with a health care professional and different types of therapy. The writer has no obvious expertise in the area and has relied solely on internet sources; given the number and quality of recent publications for teens on this subject, this one does little to stand out. The actual teen experiences recounted come from reports published online. Stock photos show racially diverse teens.
A straightforward if unexceptional survey. (source notes, resources, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9781678205928
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 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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