I first heard of Amanda in Fall 2022 when Education Week did a story on the librarian who was pushing back against censorship bullies. As librarians, I first heard of Amanda in Fall 2022 when Education Week did a story on the librarian who was pushing back against censorship bullies. As librarians, a lot of us were dealing with book challenges at that time, but not with the level of vitriol that she was facing. I’ve followed developments in her story with interest, and it’s been rewarding to see the ways that EveryLibrary and ALA have circled ‘round Amanda and other individual librarians who find themselves in the crosshairs of extremist groups over something that 10 years ago would have sounded ludicrous to most people. I wasn’t sure what to expect with her book, but — whew! Amanda has written from her heart and shared her experiences in such a personal way. Even having heard her speak before, her book is so generous with sharing the details of her life since that fateful public library board meeting in July 2022. An excellent and eye-opening read for anyone who is interested in the future of libraries and in ensuring they continue to be welcoming places for all....more
A powerful and accessible memoir from Caster Semenya about her childhood, her passion for athletics, the organization that tried to tell her that she A powerful and accessible memoir from Caster Semenya about her childhood, her passion for athletics, the organization that tried to tell her that she was not a female, and her determination to prove them wrong. I appreciated all of the photos interspersed in the text, although one (showing her with her parents on her 21st birthday) is incorrectly labeled 2010 rather than 2012. This may cause confusion since the chapter in which it appears talks about events in 2010 when she was nineteen. I also appreciated the way she wove in the racial injustice that she dealt with. I knew very little about this two-time Olympic champion. Her perseverance is an inspiration, and her memoir is timely as gender testing for differences in sex development continues to be a hot topic....more
The book I didn’t know I needed to read. Amy King was talking it up at the Printz celebration last month, and my interest was piqued. G. Neri’s passioThe book I didn’t know I needed to read. Amy King was talking it up at the Printz celebration last month, and my interest was piqued. G. Neri’s passion for making science (and Antarctica) accessible to everyone really shines through. With the help of his 10-year-old inner child, Neri allows us to be part of all of the things he experiences while there among the scientists and other varied folks.
My favorite line: They say the world is like a snow globe, and when you shake it, all the dreamers, outsiders, risk-takers, and folks who don’t belong anywhere else settle at the bottom, in Antarctica.
A 90-ish page mashup of graphic novel and photos and conversational notes that is recommended for all ages....more
This review is actually for the audiobook version, which will be released in August. The Talk is the first graphic novel I’ve ever listened to, and ifThis review is actually for the audiobook version, which will be released in August. The Talk is the first graphic novel I’ve ever listened to, and if it’s any indication, I’ve been missing out. This audiobook is masterfully done— the news clips, sound effects, and background dialog come together to immerse readers in stories from Bell’s life. I’m definitely going to read the graphic version— I think Bell’s recounting through pictures will be a completely different, but no less powerful, experience than his recounting through spoken word. Even if you’ve already read the print version, published in 2023, I highly recommend the audiobook.
Narrated by the author and others. Thanks so much to Libro.fm ALC and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary advance audio copy....more
An accessible and straightforward biography about Carol Gilligan, a psychologist whose early work was instrumental in making subject groups in researcAn accessible and straightforward biography about Carol Gilligan, a psychologist whose early work was instrumental in making subject groups in research more representative of the general population— rather than just defaulting to white males.
Her teaching, writing, and research from the 1960s to the present has had a direct impact on feminism, DEI, the field of emotional intelligence, restorative justice, and more.
Thank you to Magination/APA and to Edelweiss for the opportunity to learn more about this trailblazer via the complimentary electronic ARC....more
Faruqi’s poetic text and Enayeh’s gentle illustrations come together beautifully to tell the story of Syrian refugee and Olympic swimmer Yusra MardiniFaruqi’s poetic text and Enayeh’s gentle illustrations come together beautifully to tell the story of Syrian refugee and Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini. Her platform as the youngest appointed UN Goodwill Ambassador for refugees has allowed her to advocate for forcibly displaced people. The book is a good age-appropriate introduction to this inspiring woman with supporting back matter....more
I am in awe of what Madeline Pendleton has accomplished here. A compelling memoir combined with incredibly helpful advice on navigating all of the finI am in awe of what Madeline Pendleton has accomplished here. A compelling memoir combined with incredibly helpful advice on navigating all of the financial decisions that come with adulting. Recommended for high school students and adults....more
I loved the power of these five stories of girls around the world and the bold illustration style. And I appreciated the list of resources at the end.I loved the power of these five stories of girls around the world and the bold illustration style. And I appreciated the list of resources at the end. But why, oh why, didn’t the author reference where she got the statistics she included? Her acknowledgements mention how much she appreciates all of the girls who participated in her survey, and more information about that would have made this so much stronger. These stories provide an important window (or mirror) into the ways that girls are still subjected to extreme efforts at control. But the lack of sources keeps me from rating the book more highly....more
This book is jam-packed with valuable information about the history of disinformation, traced from ancient times. It is meticulously researched, with This book is jam-packed with valuable information about the history of disinformation, traced from ancient times. It is meticulously researched, with sources for all content cited by page number. Unfortunately, the small and tightly packed text and caricaturish graphics may put some readers off. Readers may feel overwhelmed at the barrage of truth (almost its own firehose) coming at them. Those who persevere will come away with a deeper understanding of the tactics of authoritarian leaders, the fact that these tactics are not new, and how democratic societies can combat them. Important content for young adults and adults, packaged in a less-than-ideal way. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4....more
IF you get the opportunity to time-travel back to one of these periods in history, this would be an excellent item to bring with you. Cassidy knows hiIF you get the opportunity to time-travel back to one of these periods in history, this would be an excellent item to bring with you. Cassidy knows his history— and the science behind surviving some of the situations you’ll find yourself in. Adults and teens will find a lot to enjoy here. Short, stand-alone chapters and breezy writing are perfect for reluctant readers or folks who don’t think they have time to read....more
Interesting, enjoyable, but never in an oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-keep-reading way (or, in my case, listening). Not sure I would have finished it if it hadInteresting, enjoyable, but never in an oh-my-gosh-I-have-to-keep-reading way (or, in my case, listening). Not sure I would have finished it if it hadn’t been one we were going to discuss at book club....more
I really enjoyed this heartfelt coming-of-age memoir that takes place in DC and its Maryland suburbs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tony is a charI really enjoyed this heartfelt coming-of-age memoir that takes place in DC and its Maryland suburbs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tony is a charismatic high school and college student, but doesn’t feel safe letting his friends and family know he is gay. He uses poetry to navigate his faith, his sexuality, and perceived expectations. He narrates the audiobook, and his enthusiasm and spoken-word talents really come through. I wasn’t sure how the print version would hold up, but read it through NetGalley, and it also has a great energy. Recommended. Thanks to Katherine Tegan Books, Libro.fm ALC, and NetGalley for the e-audio and ebook advance copies....more
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