Illuminating and informative.
A thorough overview of the history and science of fireworks.
Beginning with a definition of pyrotechnics and a survey of the history of fireworks, Miller lays out their many cultural and functional uses. His fascinating, deeply researched dive into the global historical context continues throughout the book, with text boxes describing prominent families and businesses. Later chapters cover technical considerations, the manufacturing process and its dangers, common types of fireworks, and regulations in the U.S. and other countries. The chapter entitled “Practical Fireworks” is particularly interesting: It discusses varieties of pyrotechnics that may not be recognized as such, including matches, emergency flares, vehicle airbags, and special effects devices in movies. Another chapter outlines celebrations that have a fireworks component, such as Bastille Day, Diwali, the Fourth of July, and Lunar New Year. After discussing safety and environmental concerns, the book concludes with a look at emerging alternative technologies that address them. The book omits mention of the negative impact of fireworks on wildlife and glosses over the stress experienced by some individuals with PTSD (“They can sound like gunfire, which might upset some people”). The bright design includes photographs, reproductions of artwork and ephemera, and useful diagrams. The clearly written accompanying text is marked by accessible organization and a careful selection of facts that together create an engaging read that’s filled with details without overwhelming readers.
Illuminating and informative. (glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further information, index, image credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
ISBN: 9798765660447
Page Count: 104
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2026
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
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future.
An adaptation for teens of the adult title A Queer History of the United States (2011).
Divided into thematic sections, the text filters LGBTQIA+ history through key figures in each era from the 1500s to the present. Alongside watershed moments like the 1969 Stonewall uprising and the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the text brings to light less well-known people, places, and events: the 1625 free love colony of Merrymount, transgender Civil War hero Albert D.J. Cashier, and the 1951 founding of the Mattachine Society, to name a few. Throughout, the author and adapter take care to use accurate pronouns and avoid imposing contemporary terminology onto historical figures. In some cases, they quote primary sources to speculate about same-sex relationships while also reminding readers of past cultural differences in expressing strong affection between friends. Black-and-white illustrations or photos augment each chapter. Though it lacks the teen appeal and personable, conversational style of Sarah Prager’s Queer, There, and Everywhere (2017), this textbook-level survey contains a surprising amount of depth. However, the mention of transgender movements and activism—in particular, contemporary issues—runs on the slim side. Whereas chapters are devoted to over 30 ethnically diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer figures, some trans pioneers such as Christine Jorgensen and Holly Woodlawn are reduced to short sidebars.
Though not the most balanced, an enlightening look back for the queer future. (glossary, photo credits, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 11, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8070-5612-7
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Beacon Press
Review Posted Online: March 12, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
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