Teen Activists: Youth Changing the World: ISBN 978-1-6782-0356-6 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0357-3
WASHYARG, September 1, 2023
Aiming at a better future for themselves and others, the teens profiled in this work strive to make a difference.
Teen Activists: Youth Changing the World showcases different teens trying to make change around the world, the issues most important to them, their challenges and what they hope to achieve. Chapters focus on various teens around the world leading activism and sparking movements on issues like the environment, climate change, gun violence, racial justice, children’s rights & education equality. Readers may know some of the activists
well, like Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai; however, several teen activists from different countries and representing different genders, races & sexual orientations are included for each social issue. Each chapter introduces the general issue and provides examples of activists working on different aspects of the issue. Text is supported by frequent photos with captions, green text boxes highlighting a particular movement or issue, and blue dots with quotes by various activists. Source notes are generally credible; however, one of the sources cited is goodreads. Websites, organizations and books for further research are also included. Text can feel a little overwhelming, but for students who want physical books for research this could be a good option. Recommend for motivated middle school readers and high school.
Recommended Age: Middle School, Junior High, High School
— Heather Goude, McKnight Middle School
Teen Activists: Youth Changing the World: ISBN 978-1-6782-0356-6 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0357-3
Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 2022
Aiming at a better future for themselves and others, the teens profiled in this work strive to make a difference.
Examples of young people taking action and sharing their thoughts in their own words make this book vivid and inspiring. The author warns that activism is difficult work requiring a variety of skills as well as persistence, self-confidence, and determination. Organizing, marching, writing, and speaking are often added to days that are filled with other responsibilities. Activists have also been ignored, insulted, bullied, patronized, and threatened. They can’t let discouragement stop them and must accept not being like other teens. Some of the individuals highlighted here are well known, like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, who views her autism as a strength. Others are less famous, like Alé Ortiz, a queer Latina gun control activist in Los Angeles. Sheen introduces young people in Canada, England, Pakistan, Uganda, and elsewhere. Their causes cover a variety of topics, and the book's chapters each focus on one area: environmental issues, gun violence, racial justice, and children's welfare. Sheen presents activism as an engaging challenge while not sugarcoating the sometimes-limited immediate results. This accessible overview with text boxes that introduce related subjects offers readers a peek into the motivations and strategies of teen changemakers who may inspire them to speak out.
A readable introduction to angry, distressed, impassioned, idealistic teens acting on their visions of positive change. (source notes, organizations and websites, further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)