Nichols is sure to inspire an entire generation of new “artivists.”
“This book will encourage and equip [readers] to use art as a language and instrument that can help…champion [their] chosen cause.”
Beginning on a personal note, Nichols breaks down her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement in Missouri, starting in 2014, and uses this jumping-off point to widen the scope to thoughtfully balance personal accounts of protest with a wider global perspective. In straightforward, accessible language she takes readers through the history of visual media for social change through the past and into the modern day, ending with speculation on where current trends will take protest art in the future. Appropriately packing the text with graphics from several artists displaying unique visual styles, author and artist Nichols prepares the next generation of young art activists with a comprehensive guide to the inextricable relationship between protest and art. Inspiring, pop-color illustrations highlight five youth climate activists around the world. Featuring examples of work and quotes from the likes of Ai Weiwei, Nina Simone, Diego Rivera, and Keith Haring, Nichols arms young readers with basic introductions in reading visual information—including color associations, common symbology, typography, and popular formats such as zine making, screen printing, and—escaping the two-dimensional—various protest demonstrations. Abundant contextual information pairs beautifully with encouragement to engage—safely—with protest in a variety of ways suited to civic-minded young artists.
Nichols is sure to inspire an entire generation of new “artivists.” (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Nov. 30, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2325-5
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Big Picture/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
Telgemeier has created an utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume’s work. One night, Raina trips and falls after a Girl Scout meeting, knocking out her two front teeth. This leads to years of painful surgeries, braces, agonizing root canals and other oral atrocities. Her friends offer little solace through this trying ordeal, spending more of their time teasing than comforting her. After years of these girls’ constant belittling, Raina branches out and finds her own voice and a new group of friends. Young girls will relate to her story, and her friend-angst is palpable. Readers should not overlook this seemingly simply drawn work; the strong writing and emotionally expressive characters add an unexpected layer of depth. As an afterword, the author includes a photo of her smiling, showing off the results of all of the years of pain she endured. Irresistible, funny and touching—a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not. (Graphic memoir. 12 & up)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-545-13205-3
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Bantam Discovery
Review Posted Online: Dec. 22, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2010
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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