Category Archives: Nonfiction

Review: You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People by Elizabeth Rusch

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You Call This Democracy by Elizabeth Rusch

You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People
Elizabeth Rusch
HMH Books for Young Readers
Published March 31, 2020

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About You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People

America is the greatest democracy in the world . . . isn’t it? Author Elizabeth Rusch examines some of the more problematic aspects of our government but, more importantly, offers ways for young people to fix them.

The political landscape has never been so tumultuous: issues with the electoral college, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and a lack of representation in the polls and in our leadership have led to Americans of all ages asking, How did we get here?

The power to change lies with the citizens of this great country—especially teens! Rather than pointing fingers at people and political parties, YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRACY? looks at flaws in the system—and offers a real way out of the mess we are in. Each chapter breaks down a different problem plaguing American democracy, exploring how it’s undemocratic, offering possible solutions (with examples of real-life teens who have already started working toward them), and suggesting ways to effect change—starting NOW!

My Review

I’ve had this book for months, but finally committed to read it the week after the RNC, so I was a bit overwhelmed at that point. I dreaded reading a book that raged about wrongs in the American political system but would leave me feeling helpless to do anything about those issues.

Fortunately, that is NOT what this book does!

One of my favorite things about YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRACY? is the way the author methodically lays out a problem. Why do we do things this way? Who does it hurt? What are some possible solutions, and how could those be enacted? It’s clear and easy to follow. There were a couple issues I wasn’t on board with or at all informed about before picking up this book (lowering the voting age to 16 or 17 being one) where the author made some really great points and explained things so well that now I’m not sure what I think about that issue. I feel like I may have changed my mind, and I certainly want to know more.

The best part of all, though, is that at the end of each chapter, there are sections detailing how to participate in changing the way the government operates. Like procedural, legal, ways to work within the system to actually change things. There are also resources for how to find out what the current laws in your state are and how to join an effort to make changes.

The issues laid out in the book are non-partisan ones. It’s things like gerrymandering. Bringing more transparency to who is funding political campaigns. Stuff that a majority of Americans are in favor of in both major parties. So I liked that, too– it was a break from the demonizing that often feels unavoidable in American political discourse right now.

I love how solutions-focused and how positive the book is. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who’s looking for ways to participate in making America have a stronger, more representative democracy, no matter your party affiliation. This book has so many great ideas. I highlighted tons of quotes and resources that I really want to go back through and read.

If you are looking for a political book that will leave you encouraged and energized about how to strengthen American democracy, definitely pick up a copy of this one! I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed reading it.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Refers to all Americans.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of YOU CALL THIS DEMOCRACY in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.

Review: Vote!: Women’s Fight for Access to the Ballot Box by Coral Celeste Frazer

Book Review and Content, Nonfiction, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

Vote!: Women’s Fight for Access to the Ballot Box
Coral Celeste Frazer
Twenty-first Century Books
Published August 6, 2019

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About Vote!: Women’s Fight for Access to the Ballot Box

August 18, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibited states and the US government from denying citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex. See how the 70-year-long fight for women’s suffrage was hard won by leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt and others.

Learn how their success led into the civil rights and feminist movements of the mid- and late twentieth century, as well as today’s #MeToo, #YesAllWomen, and Black Lives Matter movements. In the face of voter ID laws, voter purges, gerrymandering, and other restrictions, Americans continue to fight for equality in voting rights.

My Review

Reading this book, right now, as Federal officers are deployed in Portland and potentially other places (I am writing this a few weeks before it goes live, so things may have changed) was really strange.

I didn’t know a lot about the fight for women to vote before I’d read this book. Here are some of the things I learned that stood out most:

  • Women’s rights and Black rights activists sometimes worked together and sometimes worked against each other. I want to know a lot more about the dialogue between the two groups and people who devoted themselves to one cause at the expense of the other or in opposition to the other.
  • Police attacked women’s rights protestors. I don’t know what I imagined those protests looked like, but there was violence.
  • The book also points out and spends several chapters talking about the rights of Black and POC women and the fight for their right to vote as well. I hadn’t deeply thought of those as two separate battles before, which really just points up more of my ignorance, honestly.

One of the things I love about this book is that it’s packed with personal stories of the women involved in women’s rights activism. I loved learning the names and approaches of these women. Lucy Stone and Fannie Lou Hamer stand out to me the most. I’d love to learn more about both of them.

August 18 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. If you don’t know a lot about the struggle that preceded it, I recommend this book as a great introduction to the topic.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Follows the stories of women’s rights and civil rights activists.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
References to Christian faith as a motivator for some activists.

Violent Content
References to lynchings. Descriptions of police brutality against protestors. Descriptions of force-feeding prisoners who were on hunger strikes.

Drug Content
References to women’s rights groups that also opposed drinking alcohol and protested in front of bars and saloons.

Note: I received a free copy of VOTE!: WOMEN’S FIGHT FOR ACCESS TO THE BALLOT BOX in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.

Review: This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

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This Book is Anti-Racist
Tiffany Jewell
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Published January 7, 2020

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About This Book is Anti-Racist

Learn about identities, true histories, and anti-racism work in 20 carefully laid out chapters. Written by anti-bias, anti-racist, educator and activist, Tiffany Jewell, and illustrated by French illustrator Aurélia Durand in kaleidoscopic vibrancy.

This book is written for the young person who doesn’t know how to speak up to the racist adults in their life. For the 14 year old who sees injustice at school and isn’t able to understand the role racism plays in separating them from their friends. For the kid who spends years trying to fit into the dominant culture and loses themselves for a little while. It’s for all of the Black and Brown children who have been harmed (physically and emotionally) because no one stood up for them or they couldn’t stand up for themselves; because the colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, their names made white folx feel scared and threatened.

It is written so children and young adults will feel empowered to stand up to the adults who continue to close doors in their faces. This book will give them the language and ability to understand racism and a drive to undo it. In short, it is for everyone.

My Review

It took me about an hour to read this book, so it’s a pretty quick, very straightforward read. It begins with asking readers to consider some facts about themselves– their race or their gender, for instance– and to think about how those things place them within our culture. Are you a member of the majority in that category? If so, how can you use that strength to empower others?

One of the most helpful things for me in reading the book were the practical tips for how to respond when someone says something racist or prejudiced in front of you. As with each chapter, the author breaks it down into simple, practical steps.

In the past, I’ve really struggled when someone says something inappropriate in this way. I tend to freeze up and feel panicked and then later wish I’d done something more proactive. Reading this book left me feeling as though I now have the tools to gently but firmly confront friends, family members, or coworkers when I need to. That feels pretty huge for me.

I would recommend this book especially for teens interested in this topic, but I think adults can stand to gain a lot from it, too. As I mentioned, it was a super quick, very practical read. I think it’d make a great place to dip your toes into learning about social justice and how you help.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
The author is Black Biracial. The book is really aimed at any reader of any race or sexual orientation.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
References to faiths.

Violent Content
Offers tips for what you can legally do if you witness police brutality.

Drug Content
None.

Review: Mindfulness and Meditation by Whitney Stewart

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Mindfulness and Meditation: Handling Life with a Calm and Focused Mind
Whitney Stewart
Twenty-first Century Books
Published August 6, 2019

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About Mindfulness and Meditation

From hormones to homework, parents to peers, health issues to bad habits, life can be a pressure cooker leading to anxiety and even thoughts of suicide. How can we find relief? Author Whitney Stewart introduces readers to the practice of mindfulness.

With its roots in ancient Buddhist teachings, mindfulness–the practice of purposefully focusing attention on the present moment–can change a person’s approach to stress, develop skills to handle anxiety and depression, and provide a sense of awareness and belonging.

Stewart guides readers through how to get started with meditation as well as provides specific exercises for examining emotions, managing stress, checking social media habits and wellness routines, and setting intentions to increase happiness.

My Review

This is actually the second book on meditation that I’ve read recently, though it’s the first I’m officially reviewing. I have been really interested in the practice especially lately, because I’ve noticed an uptick in anxiety since the pandemic began. Mindfulness and meditation are supposed to be helpful to address anxiety, so it seemed like a great idea to learn more about them and how to apply those practices to my life.

My favorite thing about this book is that it’s broken down into sections that talk about how a certain area of our lives can cause stress. It’s things like social media, being overtired, waking up in the morning, etc. In each section, there are sample mindfulness exercises that can be read aloud by a friend or recorded and played while you engage in them.

I found them to be really simple and helpful. I liked that there were often several to choose from. You could try different exercises and find what helps the best.

There are also some great resources in the back of the book, including a list of apps you can use to do guided mindfulness exercises. I’d heard of many of them before, but some were new to me.

On the whole, I feel like this is a great introduction to mindfulness that explains really well what it is and why it works. It’s got everything that you need to get started with your own mindfulness practice in your daily life.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Text contains brief quotes from lots of different students.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist practice, so the author talks a little bit about Buddhist beliefs and practices. This isn’t a spiritual book, though. Mindfulness itself is not a religious practice. The author encourages readers to use it with their existing faith practices.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.

Have you tried mindfulness or meditation?

Have you ever tried mindfulness or meditation before? Do you have a regular practice? If you do, what apps or books do you find helpful?

Also… how are you doing? Have you noticed an increase in your anxiety level this year? What do you do to help you relax?

Review: How Sweet the Sound by Laura L. Smith

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How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns
Laura L. Smith
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Published August 4, 2020

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About How Sweet the Sound

If you love singing and listening to hymns, this book is for you! Hymns are a special kind of music, packed with truth, redemption, and joy, no matter how the times or culture change. How Sweet the Sound focuses on 30 beloved hymns that still speak to us today. Each chapter includes the lyrics to a favorite hymn, an interesting modern-day story of how that hymn continues to impact lives, and questions for contemplation. You’ll enjoy hearing the stories of how hymns have affected other people’s lives as you remember how the hymns you treasure have affected yours.

My Review

I’ve been a fan of Laura L. Smith’s books for years, especially her YA stories. When I heard that she was writing a new book, to be honest, I didn’t even care what it was about– I knew I wanted to review it!

This book, though. HOW SWEET THE SOUND manages to be at once informative, giving some background about the hymn writers or context for when it was written, and also invites readers to peel back the layers of their own hearts and examine how these words impact us our core.

Reading the chapters is like sitting down to listen to music with a friend. It’s easy to get lost in the lyrics of the songs. I found myself humming along with some of the ones I was more familiar with. Then as the author begins to discuss her experience with these songs, she explains things in such a real, raw, open and vulnerable way. Seriously, I don’t know how else to explain it but that it felt like sitting in the living room with her, the way you would with a dear friend.

Her words are encouraging and always full of love. This isn’t a judgey book in any way. It’s definitely a faith-filled story about how God uses hymns to change hearts and lives and draw us closer to Him. I’m so glad I read this book, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who needs an encouraging boost to their faith right now.

Here’s a quick list of the young adult books by Laura L. Smith that I’ve loved and reviewed:

It’s Complicated by Laura L. Smith

It’s Over by Laura L. Smith

It’s Addicting by Laura L. Smith

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Some of the hymns featured in the book are African American spirituals.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to being married and having had past dating relationships.

Spiritual Content
Uses Bible quotes and hymns to discuss Christian faith and relationship with God.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of HOW SWEET THE SOUND in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.

Review: Queer: the Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teenagers by Kathy Belge and Marke Bieschke

Book Review and Content, Nonfiction, , , , , , , ,

Queer: the Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teenagers (2nd Edition)
Kathy Belge and Marke Bieschke
Zest Books
Published October 1, 2019

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads

About Queer: the Ultimate LGBTQ Guide for Teenagers (2nd Edition)

Teen life is hard enough with all of the pressures kids face, but for teens who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), it’s even harder. When do you decide to come out? To whom? Will your friends accept you? And how on earth do you meet people to date?

Updated in 2018, Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia.

Queer also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history. This updated and revised edition is a must-read for any teen who thinks they might be queer – or knows someone who is.

My Review

QUEER has a lot of personal stories from the authors about experiences they had that they learned from– either because they went well or badly. The authors are frank, funny, and warm. The overall message is that if you’re a person looking to better understand yourself, you’re not alone. Being comfortable in your own skin and learning to have healthy relationships part of a lifelong journey, and there are lots of great tips in the book on those things.

The book offers suggestions on topics like how to come out to your family, how to approach a crush and find out if they might be interested in you. I thought those tips in particular were great. The advice is practical and simple.

There were a couple of things that I wish QUEER had gone into more depth about. The great majority of the text refers to gay and lesbian issues– perhaps because those are the authors’ experiences? There are some moments where bisexual or transgender issues get a focus, but they don’t get the same focus or depth. Asexuality is mentioned only briefly as well, and again, I wish there had been more information about the spectrum of asexuality.

I would have especially liked to see tips and suggestions for how to come out to family members as nonbinary, asexual, or transgender. (There’s a mention of coming out as transgender in the chapter on coming out, but I wish there had been more, because it’s not the same as coming out as gay or lesbian.)

QUEER focuses on support and validation, so it’s a very permissive book. There’s no judgment toward non-monogamous relationships or one night stands. It leaves readers (and encourages them) to decide on moral values and relationship rules for themselves and with their partners.

One of the really great assets of this book is the resource section, which lists support websites for LGBT teens and sites that will help you connect to supportive groups and organizations in your area, including how to find religious organizations that are friendly to members of the LGBT community. I love that section and am anxious to explore more of those resources.

Overall, I think QUEER is warm and engaging, and a great resource particularly for lesbian and gay teens and support communities.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Written by and intended for members of the LGBT community.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Brief personal stories about romance (with hints at sex but not graphic descriptions). Some references to sexual acts.

Spiritual Content
The resources section lists ways to find religious groups that are friendly to the LGBT community.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of QUEER: THE ULTIMATE LGBTQ GUIDE FOR TEENAGERS (2nd Edition) in exchange for my honest review.