A good introduction to issues within the fashion industry, but activist readers might need some encouragement to pick it up.
Not all activism starts with fundraising or marching. You can begin in small ways, like with your clothes.
Beginning with her story about making a prom dress from her math homework and then donating her prom-dress funds to charity (not as original as it sounds, as a simple Google search reveals), white author Paisley leads teens toward an activist approach to their clothing. Starting with the how and the who of clothing manufacturing, she asks readers to think about the impact of the clothes they wear on the environment and on the people who make them under exhausting conditions. Ethical clothing brands and stores are highlighted, with a Canadian slant. (Both author and publisher are Canadian.) After discussions of methods to reduce, reuse, and recycle, the latter third of the book focuses on the bigger picture, such as understanding messages in fashion and providing examples of how teens can speak out. Peppered with photos and “pop quiz” sidebars to inspire further thought, this slim volume gallops through fashion activism. Discussion of diversity and gender roles in fashion is a welcome inclusion in addition to this book’s solid information. Unfortunately, the glossy slickness of the presentation might keep this book out of the hands of those who might be interested.
A good introduction to issues within the fashion industry, but activist readers might need some encouragement to pick it up. (glossary, resources) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Feb. 20, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1306-9
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: Nov. 21, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Catnip for scandal junkies, with a bit of historical perspective stirred in.
A gleefully explicit catalogue of the past century’s headline-grabbing bad behavior.
Aimed at readers who don’t need to be told who Brangelina is but may be hazy on “twisted besties” Leopold and Loeb or even Monica Lewinsky, this edutaining survey presents a wide-angle array of murders, sexual follies, controversial trials, race violence, political corruption and general envelope-pushing from the 1906 killing of Stanford White on. Each of the chronologically arranged entries opens with a capsule “Scoop” followed by a slightly fuller account under a “What Went Down” header. Along with a small black-and-white photo and one or two sidebar quotes, the author tacks on subsequent developments, sometimes-perceptive suggestions about “Why We Still Care” and a short roster of similar incidents in recent history. Though she misspells “Symbionese” and repeatedly awards FDR only three Presidential wins, in general Fryd presents reasonably accurate summaries of events and issues while giving all sides of the more muddled conflicts at least a nod. Additional cred is provided by a teen panel of editorial advisors.
Catnip for scandal junkies, with a bit of historical perspective stirred in. (index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9827322-0-5
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Zest/Orange Avenue
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
Readers will find answers to basic questions about Muslims, yet they might not understand the bigger picture if they don’t...
Ali-Karamali offers plenty of anecdotes about growing up Muslim in America in a conversational tone that is undermined by poor organization.
The work explores a range of questions that non-Muslims might have about followers of Islam. Ranging from a discussion of Muslim holidays or the kinds of clothes worn by Muslims to the development of Islam, the author explains these topics in a friendly, engaging manner. She provides several examples of Muslim practices around the world, going beyond her American experiences to reflect Islam’s diversity. Chapters are organized into three fact-filled sections on beliefs and practices, the development of Islam and current Muslim demographics. Unfortunately, beginning with the practical questions about food, fasting and fashion delays important concepts such as how jihad is not equivalent to terrorism and whether Islam mandates women wear face veils (in a word, no). Compounding this basic conceptual flaw, this organizational choice necessitates clunky references to later chapters. Moreover, it is not until Chapter 4 that cited figures or quotes are provided references, an example of sloppy scholarship.
Readers will find answers to basic questions about Muslims, yet they might not understand the bigger picture if they don’t hang in until the end. (notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-385-74095-1
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: June 19, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
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