Clear and stripped of partisan hyperbole; every American can benefit from this book.
A deep dive into the nitty-gritty of the U.S. government’s inner workings and their relevance for citizens.
Fleischer pulls back the curtain on concepts that are discussed—often “proudly and loudly”—by voters who may have “confident opinions based on complete misinformation.” The text is divided into chapters that tackle broad subjects, among them spending, taxes, the economy, infrastructure, wealth, debt, and international treaties and trade. The book highlights popular federal programs including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While the detailed descriptions can sometimes make the topics seem daunting, thanks to the inclusion of numerous figures, the explanations are thorough, informative, and divided into concise, manageable chapters. The author explores important matters, such as how interest rates affect individuals and banks and how unemployment and economic growth are measured. Fleischer provides historical context for his chosen topics, offering deep insights into laws and their implications. Sidebars throughout the book give readers helpful extra details without overwhelming them. Occasional photographs add interest, for example of a reindeer-drawn postal sled in Alaska. The text avoids advocating for any particular course of action, instead presenting a balanced view that shows how hot-button issues are often more complex than partisan sound bites suggest.
Clear and stripped of partisan hyperbole; every American can benefit from this book. (image credits, selected bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9798765611500
Page Count: -
Publisher: Zest Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
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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