by Maya S. Penn ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2016
There's no doubt Maya will continue to change the world for the better, and those who can follow her advice might have a...
If every teenager were as together as author Penn, the world would be a much different place.
Maya started her first business at the age of 8, and she hasn't looked back. Now 15, she has started a nonprofit organization, been featured in dozens of articles and interviews, and given three TED talks. In the African-American teen’s first inspirational self-help book, she attempts to share some of her process with her readers. She explains the value of a dream board, the importance of finding out what kind of creative person you are, and she directs her readers to find friends and mentors that provide encouragement. Maya offers plenty of good advice and peppers her narrative with her own stories of success and the challenges she overcame. However, she seems to be able to blink away some of the challenges she faced a little too easily, as when she recalls being taunted about her natural hair: “I felt a self-consciousness about my hair that had never been there before. (Luckily I was able to get over that.)” Had she explored these rough times more thoroughly, her book would have been even more useful to those readers for whom confidence and friends don't come easily.
There's no doubt Maya will continue to change the world for the better, and those who can follow her advice might have a shot at joining forces. (Nonfiction. 10-15)Pub Date: April 12, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-5011-2371-9
Page Count: 224
Publisher: North Star Way/Simon and Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2016
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by Jean Chatzky & illustrated by Erwin Haya ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 14, 2010
In her first book for young readers, personal-finance expert Chatzky offers straight talk on all things related to money—where it came from, how it’s made, how to earn it and how to save it, everything from gross domestic product to gross viruses on paper money. Having spent three months traveling the country and talking with kids, the author presents questions and answers in a volume attractively designed in a kid-friendly manner, with plenty of illustrations, charts, lists and sidebars for fun facts and kids’ questions. One thing not learned on the trip, apparently, was not to take all middle-school students’ answers at face value, as readers will see wise-guy responses, illogical explanations and self-centered comments mixed in with the mostly thoughtful and sincere questions and statements. Still, the clear and conversational text, coupled with the inviting format, will appeal to young readers, who should enjoy learning about a subject important to them. (appendices, map, glossary, web resources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)
Pub Date: Sept. 14, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4169-9472-5
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2010
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by Jean Chatzky , Kathryn Tuggle & HerMoney ; illustrated by Nina Cosford
by Martin W. Sandler ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 4, 2011
As he did in Lincoln Through the Lens (2008), Sandler offers a fascinating photo-essay examining how images shaped public perceptions of John F. Kennedy. In Kennedy’s case, it was television and advances in color photography and photojournalism that were influential. One of America’s most photogenic presidents, Kennedy was an astute user of the media. Following the format of the other Through the Lens books, each spread is a self-contained “chapter,” with one page of text and a full-page photograph, many in color. The book begins with an overview of Kennedy’s life and the role that photography and television played in his career. Subsequent spreads are chronological, covering Kennedy’s life from childhood through assassination. The author notes the significance of the Kennedy presidency’s being the first to be photographed mostly in color, “perfect for capturing the glamour that came to be associated with the Kennedy years.” Kennedy’s life and administration were documented with a groundbreaking intimacy the public had never known before, making this an accessible, insightful perspective on one of America’s most famous presidents. (further reading and websites, source notes, index) (Biography. 10-14)
Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8027-2160-0
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Walker
Review Posted Online: Dec. 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2010
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