Growing Up in Brazil: ISBN 978-1-68282-205-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-206-7
Growing Up in Canada: ISBN 978-1-68282-207-4 / eBook: 978-1-68282-208-1
Growing Up in Iran: ISBN 978-1-68282-215-9 / eBook: 978-1-68282-216-6
VOYA, June 2018
These volumes offer well-researched and concise overviews of the lived experiences of young people in each country. The books are set up similarly, beginning with an “At a Glance” section with the usual facts, charts, and maps presented in most nonfiction geography works, and continuing with simple yet comprehensive explanations on history, culture, education, and, most interestingly, family and social life. Colorful photographs and interviews with real young people are dispersed throughout the books for emphasis, often presenting differing viewpoints on the same topic, and interwoven seamlessly with facts. The nonbiased, straightforward, and succinct style is well suited to reluctant readers interested in learning more about the similarities and differences between their peers in other countries.
Clearly setting out to portray the impact of multiculturalism on government and life in these countries and on global culture overall, the authors celebrate differences in culture and discuss the importance of retaining national identities, especially considering the rise of immigration. Because the books relate facts that impact the way of life of teens in the country, the writing is not didactic or boring; teens will easily relate or consider how this information might impact their current situations. Growing Up in Canada may provide comparison points with the U.S. given its proximity and the inclusion of information on the high value on education and literacy, as well as high happiness rates, reported by Canadian youth. Brazil, a fun-loving and vibrant country, examines the lasting effects of slavery and racism on the government and economy, as well as the high percentages of teen pregnancy and youth poverty and homelessness, problems that are often at odds with Brazilians’ relaxed approach to life. Young readers, however, may be most surprised by Growing Up in Iran, both for the restrictive theocracy that permeates practically every facet of teen life (and is frequently discussed in the media), and the ability Iranian youth have for balancing a public and private identity—an issue with which all teens can commiserate. This series is recommended for middle and high school libraries, and mid-sized and large public libraries.
—Aileen Valdes.
Growing Up in Brazil: ISBN 978-1-68282-205-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-206-7
Growing Up in Canada: ISBN 978-1-68282-207-4 / eBook: 978-1-68282-208-1
Growing Up in China: ISBN 978-1-68282-209-8 / eBook: 978-1-68282-210-4
Growing Up in Germany: ISBN 978-1-68282-211-1 / eBook: 978-1-68282-212-8
Growing Up in India: ISBN 978-1-68282-213-5 / eBook: 978-1-68282-214-2
Growing Up in Iran: ISBN 978-1-68282-215-9 / eBook: 978-1-68282-216-6
Growing Up in Italy: ISBN 978-1-68282-217-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-218-0
Growing Up in Japan: ISBN 978-1-68282-219-7 / eBook: 978-1-68282-220-3
Growing Up in Mexico: ISBN 978-1-68282-221-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-222-7
Growing Up in Russia: ISBN 978-1-68282-223-4 / eBook: 978-1-68282-224-1
School Library Journal, November 2017
Gr 7 Up–Teens will find relatable information about the lives of their global peers in this set. Each book opens with an “At a Glance” overview of the nation, followed by chapters that discuss the roles of young people with regard to family, school, work, social scenes, and religion. The authors openly discuss both the prospects and the challenges that adolescents face. Thought-provoking quotes from teens who live in and/or visit each country may help U.S. readers gain some perspective in their own lives. Topics include school pressure, family and societal responsibilities, sexuality, and gender roles, including political and cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ youth. While much of the series is refreshing, there are a few instances of questionable source material (quotes from the Daily Mail in Mexico), and in Canada there are just a handful of mentions of the First Nations, the largest being in reference to suicide. VERDICT This series will draw an audience beyond report writers and bears consideration.
Growing Up in Mexico: ISBN 978-1-68282-221-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-222-7
Booklist, February 1, 2018
Students will be well served by this informative entry in the Growing Up around the World series, particularly if a research project is on the syllabus. Over the course of five chapters, readers will be briefly introduced to Mexico’s history and geography, its people’s values and culture, and contemporary life, including school, work, and socializing. An opening “Mexico at a Glance” spread features a map, flag, and basic statistics chart (e.g., youth population, religion, language) to help readers orient themselves before diving into more detailed information. Readers will be struck by how young Mexico's population is: roughly half of its people are under 20, which leads to problems like overcrowded classrooms and job scarcity. They will also appreciate the strong importance family has in all aspects of Mexican life. Numerous inset text boxes draw attention to important or controversial topics, such as the drug trade and Mexico’s indigenous people, but Sheen is careful to include the underlying issues in play. The up-to-date statistics, quotes from citizens, balanced writing, and thorough citations make this a solid addition to
library collections.
— Julia Smith