Staff Picks
Your Voice, Your Power
- Kei G.
- Wednesday, July 06, 2022
Collection
Can’t vote? No problem! There are many ways to take action and effect change in your community and globally. Below are some titles that will inspire you to get involved and stay empowered:
Glimmer of Hope
How Tragedy Sparked a Movement
Published in 2018
Chronicles how one of the worst mass shootings in American history lead to the one of the largest youth-led movements in global history.
How I Resist
Activism and Hope for a New Generation
Published in 2018
In How I Resist, readers will find hope and support through voices that are at turns personal, funny, irreverent, and instructive. Not just for a young adult audience, this incredibly impactful collection will appeal to readers of all ages who are feeling adrift and looking for guidance.
How I Resist
Activism and Hope for a New Generation
Published in 2018
In How I Resist, readers will find hope and support through voices that are at turns personal, funny, irreverent, and instructive. Not just for a young adult audience, this incredibly impactful collection will appeal to readers of all ages who are feeling adrift and looking for guidance.
Nevertheless, We Persisted /.
Published in 2018
A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many more, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity?but persisted. "Aren't you a terrorist?" "There are no roles for people who look like you." "That's a sin." "No girls allowed." They've heard it all. Actress Alia Shawkat reflects on all the parts she was told she was too "ethnic" to play. Former NFL player Wade Davis recalls his bullying of gay classmates in an attempt to hide his own sexuality. Teen Gavin Grimm shares the story that led to the infamous "bathroom bill," and how he's fighting it. Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr tells of her harrowing time in Aushwitz, where she watched her family disappear, one by one. What made them rise up through the hate? What made them overcome the obstacles of their childhood to achieve extraordinary success? How did they break out of society's limited view of who they are and find their way to the beautiful and hard-won lives they live today? With a foreword by Minnesota senator and up-and-coming Democratic party leader Amy Klobuchar, these essays share deeply personal stories of resilience, faith, love, and, yes, persistence.
Nevertheless, We Persisted
48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage
Published in 2018
A collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity--but persisted.
Nevertheless, We Persisted
48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage
Published in 2018
A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity-- but persisted. Among others: actress Alia Shawkat was told she was too "ethnic" for parts. Former NFL player Wade Davis bullied other gay classmates in an attempt to hide his own sexuality. Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr tells of her harrowing time in Auschwitz, where she watched her family disappear, one by one. They tell how they rose through the hate, overcoming the obstacles of their childhood to the hard-won lives they live today.
The (other) F Word
A Celebration of the Fat & Fierce
Published in 2019
"The definitive collection of art, poetry, and prose, celebrating fat acceptance Chubby. Curvy. Fluffy. Plus-size. Thick. Fat. The time has come for fat people to tell their own stories. The (Other) F Word combines personal essays, prose, poetry, fashion tips, and art to create a relatable and attractive guide about body image and body positivity. This YA crossover anthology is meant for people of all sizes who desire to be seen and heard in a culture consumed by a narrow definition of beauty. By combining the talents of renowned fat YA and middle-grade authors, as well as fat influencers and creators, The (Other) F Word offers teen readers and activists of all ages a guide for navigating our world with confidence and courage."-- Provided by publisher.
Our Stories, Our Voices
21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America
Published in 2018
In this collection of essays, young adult authors explore their experiences of injustice, empowerment, and growing up female in America. They explore themes on the intersection of race and gender; women and weight; first sexual experience; the devastation of rape culture; and much more. -- adapted from jacket
Yes No Maybe So
Published in 2020
Jamie Goldberg, who chokes when speaking to strangers, and Maya Rehrman, who is having the worst Ramadan ever, are paired to knock on doors and ask for votes for the local state senate candidate.
Yes No Maybe So
Published in 2020
A book about the power of love and resistance from New York Times bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. YESJamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state senate candidate-as long as he's behind the scenes. When it comes to speaking to strangers (or, let's face it, speaking at all to almost anyone) Jamie's a choke artist. There's no way he'd ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes...until he meets Maya. NOMaya Rehman's having the worst Ramadan ever. Her best friend is too busy to hang out, her summer trip is canceled, and now her parents are separating. Why her mother thinks the solution to her problems is political canvassing-with some awkward dude she hardly knows-is beyond her. MAYBE SOGoing door to door isn't exactly glamorous, but maybe it's not the worst thing in the world. After all, the polls are getting closer-and so are Maya and Jamie. Mastering local activism is one thing. Navigating the cross-cultural crush of the century is another thing entirely.
One Person, No Vote
Published in 2018
As featured in the documentary All In: The Fight for Democracy Finalist for the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction Longlisted for the National Book Award in Nonfiction Named one of the Best Books of the Year by: Washington Post * Boston Globe * NPR* Bustle * BookRiot * New York Public Library From the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of White Rage , the startling?and timely?history of voter suppression in America, with a foreword by Senator Dick Durbin. In her New York Times bestseller White Rage , Carol Anderson laid bare an insidious history of policies that have systematically impeded black progress in America, from 1865 to our combustible present. With One Person , No Vote , she chronicles a related history: the rollbacks to African American participation in the vote since the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Known as the Shelby ruling, this decision effectively allowed districts with a demonstrated history of racial discrimination to change voting requirements without approval from the Department of Justice. Focusing on the aftermath of Shelby , Anderson follows the astonishing story of government-dictated racial discrimination unfolding before our very eyes as more and more states adopt voter suppression laws. In gripping, enlightening detail she explains how voter suppression works, from photo ID requirements to gerrymandering to poll closures. And with vivid characters, she explores the resistance: the organizing, activism, and court battles to restore the basic right to vote to all Americans.
One Person, No Vote
How Not All Voters Are Treated Equally
Published in 2019
"In her New York Times bestseller White Rage, Carol Anderson laid bare an insidious history of policies that have systematically impeded black progress in America, from 1865 to our combustible present. With One Person, No Vote, she chronicles a related history: the rollbacks to African American participation in the vote since the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Known as the Shelby ruling, this decision effectively allowed districts with a demonstrated history of racial discrimination to change voting requirements without approval from the Department of Justice. Focusing on the aftermath of Shelby, Anderson follows the astonishing story of government-dictated racial discrimination unfolding before our very eyes as more and more states adopt voter suppression laws. In gripping, enlightening detail she explains how voter suppression works, from photo ID requirements to gerrymandering to poll closures. And with vivid characters, she explores the resistance: the organizing, activism, and court battles to restore the basic right to vote to all Americans as the nation gears up for the 2020 presidential election season"-- Provided by publisher.
#MeToo and You
Published in 2021
The #MeToo movement has changed the way many people view the world, but how well do tweens understand it? Middle-grade readers are ready to learn about consent, harassment, and abuse, as well as healthy boundaries in all their relationships. #MeToo and You includes essential terminology, from consent to assault, from just plain yes to just plain no. Author Halley Bondy explores the nuances of emotions, comfort, and discomfort in sexually charged and emotionally abusive situations. Detailed scenarios, both real and hypothetical, provide valuable examples of what's acceptable and what is not, along with tools to help everyone treat others appropriately and to stand up for themselves and their peers.
#MeToo and You
Everything You Need to Know About Consent, Boundaries, and More
Published in 2021
"Author Halley Bondy explores the nuances of emotions, comfort, and discomfort in sexually charged and emotionally abusive situations. Tween readers will learn about consent, harassment, abuse, and healthy boundaries in all types of relationships"-- Provided by publisher.
The Voting Booth
Published in 2020
Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She's always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn't spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva's missing cat), it's clear that there's more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy. Romantic and triumphant, The Voting Booth is proof that you can't sit around waiting for the world to change, but some things are just meant to be.
The Voting Booth
Published in 2020
Two first-time teen voters meet at their polling place and fall in love over the course of one crazy day in this YA novel pitched as The Kissing Booth meets The Sun is also a Star.
The Voting Booth
Published in 2020
The first year they are eligible to vote, Marva and Duke meet at their polling place and, over the course of one crazy day, fall in love.-- Provided by Publisher.
Seeing Gender
An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression
Published in 2022
"Gender is an intensely personal, yet universal, facet of humanity. In this vibrant book, queer author and artist Iris Gottlieb visually explores gender in all of its complexities, answering questions and providing guidance while also mining history and pop culture for the stories and people who have shaped the conversation on gender"-- Provided by publisher.
This Book is Anti-racist
Published in 2020
This book is written for the young person who doesn't know how to speak up to the racist adults in their life. For the 14 year old who sees injustice at school and isn't able to understand the role racism plays in separating them from their friends. For the kid who spends years trying to fit into the dominant culture and loses themselves for a little while. It's for all of the Black and Brown children who have been harmed (physically and emotionally) because no one stood up for them or they couldn't stand up for themselves; because the colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, their names made white folx feel scared and threatened. It is written so children and young adults will feel empowered to stand up to the adults who continue to close doors in their faces. This book will give them the language and ability to understand racism and a drive to undo it. In short, it is for everyone.
Teen Guide to Student Activism
Published in 2019
"The student-led March For Our Lives movement, formed in the wake of the mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, captured widespread attention in 2018. The raw emotion and eloquence of these student activists have made a strong impression on the nation and the world. Many other students in cities and towns all across the country have taken on other causes. Whether their efforts are local or global, whether they generate headlines or not--all of these student activists seek to create a better world for themselves and others. Teen Guide to Student Activism features stories about teens who are making a difference and shows other teens how they can do the same. The book discusses organizing, reaching out, and student rights. It also features insights from student activists about the challenges of balancing school and activism and the many lessons learned from their own activities and from earlier activists. The book includes many fully documented quotes from teens as well as an annotated list of Resources for Student Activists." --Amazon.com.
Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists
A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights
Published in 2019
"A bold and gripping graphic history of the fight for women's rights The ongoing struggle for women's rights has spanned human history, touched nearly every culture on Earth, and encompassed a wide range of issues, such as the right to vote, work, get an education, own property, exercise bodily autonomy, and beyond. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is a fun and fascinating graphic novel-style primer that covers the key figures and events that have advanced women's rights from antiquity to the modern era. In addition, this compelling book illuminates the stories of notable women throughout history--from queens and freedom fighters to warriors and spies--and the progressive movements led by women that have shaped history, including abolition, suffrage, labor, civil rights, LGBTQ liberation, reproductive rights, and more. Examining where we've been, where we are, and where we're going, Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is an indispensable resource for people of all genders interested in the fight for a more liberated future"-- Provided by publisher.
Glimmer of Hope
Published in 2018
Glimmer of Hope is the official, definitive book from The March for Our Lives founders. In keeping up with their ongoing fight to end gun-violence in all communities, the student leaders of March for Our Lives have decided not to be paid as authors of the book. 100% of net proceeds from this book will be paid to March For Our Lives Action Fund. " Glimmer of Hope provides a blueprint for launching social change."? NPR.org *A Seventeen Magazine Best Book of 2018* "This is a clarion call to action for teens, by teens, and is moving and powerful."? Booklist , Starred Review Glimmer of Hope tells the story of how a group of teenagers raced to channel their rage and sorrow into action, and went on to create one of the largest youth-led movements in global history. March For Our Lives Action Fund is a nonprofit 501c4 organization dedicated to furthering the work of March For Our Lives students to end gun violence across the country. The full list of contributors, in alphabetical order, are: Adam Alhanti, Dylan Baierlein, John Barnitt, Alfonso Calderon, Sarah Chadwick, Jaclyn Corin, Matt Deitsch, Ryan Deitsch, Sam Deitsch, Brendan Duff, Emma Gonz?lez, Chris Grady, David Hogg, Lauren Hogg, Cameron Kasky, Jammal Lemy, Charlie Mirsky, Kyrah Simon, Delaney Tarr, Bradley Thornton, Kevin Trejos, Naomi Wadler, Sofie Whitney, Daniel Williams, and Alex Wind.
Period Power
Published in 2018
PERIOD founder and Harvard College student Nadya Okamoto offers a manifesto on menstruation and why we can no longer silence those who bleed?and how to engage in youth activism. Throughout history, periods have been hidden from the public. They're taboo. They're embarrassing. They're gross. And due to a crumbling or nonexistent national sex ed program, they are misunderstood. Because of these stigmas, a status quo has been established to exclude people who menstruate from the seat at the decision-making table, creating discriminations like the tampon tax, medicines that favor male biology, and more. Period Power aims to explain what menstruation is, shed light on the stigmas and resulting biases, and create a strategy to end the silence and prompt conversation about periods.
Period Power
A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement
Published in 2018
"This is a book about gender equality in the United States and how to engage in activism to get there"-- Provided by publisher.
Know Your Rights
And Claim Them
Published in 2021
"This book is a guide for every young person who believes in a better world for all"-Malala Yousafzai Adults are aware of their universal human rights of freedom and equality, but children often are ignorant of the rights they possess before reaching the age of majority. Enter Know Your Rights, written in partnership with Amnesty International, Angelina Jolie, and Geraldine Van Bueren. Know Your Rights details the rights promised in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, starting with the history of child rights, and providing a clear description of the types of child rights, the young activists from around the world who fought to defend them, and how readers can stand up for their own rights. "This is the perfect book for young people who care about the world and want to make a difference"-Greta Thunberg
Know Your Rights and Claim Them
A Guide for Youth
Published in 2021
"This book provides a deep dive into the protections and rights promised to children by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and before adulthood and how to defend them"-- Provided by publisher.
Girls Resist!
Published in 2018
An activism handbook for teen girls ready to fight for change, social justice, and equality. Take on the world and make some serious change with this handbook to everything activism, social justice, and resistance. With in-depth guides to everything from picking a cause, planning a protest, and raising money to running dispute-free meetings, promoting awareness on social media, and being an effective ally, Girls Resist! will show you how to go from "mad as heck about the way the world is going" to "effective leader who gets stuff done." Veteran feminist organizer KaeLyn Rich shares tons of expertise that'll inspire you as much as it teaches you the ropes. Plus, interviews with fellow teen girl activists show how they stood up for change in their communities. Grab this handbook to crush inequality, start a revolution, and resist!
Girls Resist!
A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution
Published in 2018
An activism handbook for teen girls ready to fight for change, social justice, and equality. Take on the world and make some serious change with this handbook to everything activism, social justice, and resistance. With in-depth guides to everything from picking a cause, planning a protest, and raising money to running dispute-free meetings, promoting awareness on social media, and being an effective ally. Get this handbook to crush inequality, start a revolution, and resist!
Taking on the Plastics Crisis
Published in 2020
"In this personal, moving essay, youth activist Hannah Testa shares with readers how she led a grassroots political campaign to successfully pass state legislation limiting single-use plastics and how she influenced global businesses to adopt more sustainable practices"-- Provided by publisher.
Both Sides Now
Published in 2021
"A transgender teen grapples with his dreams for the future and a crush on his debate partner, all while preparing to debate trans rights at Nationals"-- Provided by publisher.
Beyond the Gender Binary
Published in 2020
"Poet, artist, and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Alok Vaid-Menon deconstructs, demystifies, and reimagines the gender binary"-- Provided by publisher.
Watch Us Rise
Published in 2019
Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard. These two dynamic, creative young women stand up and speak out in a novel that features their compelling art and poetry along with powerful personal journeys that will inspire readers and budding poets, feminists, and activists.
This Book is Feminist
An Intersectional Primer for Next-gen Changemakers
Published in 2021
"Explore the points where gender, race, class, ability, sexuality, and culture meet. Learn from author Jamia Wilson's lived experiences, read the statistics, and gain strength in quotes from feminist firebrands and activists. Along the way, respond to calls to action and form you own views on the 'F' word. This book is for everyone."--Back cover.