Superficial treatment of a timely topic.
A cautionary report on the immediate and long-term effects of recent cuts to federal science agencies and funding.
Mooney argues cogently enough that President Trump’s administration’s habit of ordering sudden staff reductions in federal science agencies and abruptly cutting off grant funds to universities and research laboratories not only threatens this country’s preeminence in scientific and technological research, but also fosters a pervasive atmosphere of uncertainty that stifles innovation. She quotes plenty of unhappy scientists, whose words reflect widespread hits to morale and careers. At the same time, she presents examples of threatened reductions that were rejected or restored by court order or other means, making it unclear precisely how much monetary damage has been done. The author covers the targeting of diversity, equity, and inclusivity programs and mentions government accusations of antisemitism that were leveled against Columbia University and other institutions as a pretext for halting funding. She quotes a constitutional studies expert who expresses his disquiet that funding was cut without any proof that the allegations were valid. In the end, perhaps hampered by the freshness of a topic that at the time of publication is still unfolding, Mooney focuses heavily on the impact of this anxiety and unpredictability around funding rather than providing concrete data readers would find more useful. The stock photos are few and dispensable; the backmatter includes a selection of marginally relevant resources and official web sites.
Superficial treatment of a timely topic. (source notes, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2026
ISBN: 9781678213541
Page Count: 64
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press
Review Posted Online: July 6, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
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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