A clearly written account of an ongoing crisis that has a broad impact on society.
Drug use and drug wars are a reality; this highly illustrated work outlines the problem and its possible solutions.
Hunter devotes most of this book to explaining the nature and origins of drug wars and the consequences of such wars on individuals and society. The final two chapters outline potential solutions. Beginning with then-President Richard Nixon’s 1971 declaration of war, the author discusses the physical, mental, and socioeconomic, costs of drugs and of drug wars. Descriptions of the international and industrial scale of the problem and the involvement of quasi-military gangs and militias appear before a two-page spread asking readers to ponder opposing viewpoints about whether the drug supply can realistically be stopped. Hunter examines anti-drug laws before providing another debate page on treatment vs. punishment as approaches to addiction. Other debate pages pose questions like “Is drug violence more damaging than drugs?” and “Do drug wars increase racial inequality?” The text boxes labeled “What Do You Think?” that follow each debate invite readers to engage with the topics, but Hunter largely avoids citing statistics or studies that would bolster the arguments. This absence risks simply allowing readers to confirm their existing beliefs without weighing complicated evidence. Still, the simple, straightforward prose and scrupulously neutral presentation of opposing viewpoints make this a useful introductory resource.
A clearly written account of an ongoing crisis that has a broad impact on society. (picture credits, resources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2026
ISBN: 9781917187657
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Cheriton Children's Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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