Category Archives: Book Review and Content

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 by Coral Celeste Frazer

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

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

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: Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery by Alice Milani

Book Review and Content, Historical, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , ,

Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery (Graphic Novel)
Alice Milani
Graphic Universe
Published August 6, 2019

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About Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery (Graphic Novel)

In her intensely researched, inventively drawn exploration of Marie Curie’s life, artist Alice Milani follows the celebrated Polish scientist from Curie’s time as a struggling governess to her years in France making breakthrough discoveries. Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two different sciences.

With skill and care, Milani traces Curie’s flight from Russia-controlled Poland, her romance with fellow scientist Pierre Curie, and Marie and Pierre’s stunning discoveries of the elements radium and polonium. Throughout this distinctive graphic work, Curie defies doubt and double standards to make an enduring impact on the scientific world.

My Review

Especially at the beginning, I found this book confusing. It had a short section about characters that didn’t come back into the story until much later. Even aside from that, the timeline of the story does jump around a bit. I feel like in terms of understanding what’s happening, if you’re already familiar with Marie Curie’s life, you’ll understand what’s going on much more easily.

Despite those few reading bumps, I enjoyed this graphic novel. I have only read/reviewed a couple of these before. I’m not an experienced reader by any means, so I feel like I can’t rate it in terms of other graphic novel biographies. The artwork was really expressive and helped to create characterization.

I learned a lot of things that I hadn’t known about Curie, too. I had read about her in elementary school, but didn’t know much beyond that she was a renowned scientist and studied radiation. So I hadn’t realized she was Polish and lived at a time when she would’ve been persecuted in her own country. I thought the part of the story that explored gender roles and the way the media portrayed her during her time was especially well done.

On the whole, I think this book would make a great addition to a grade 6 or 7 science classroom. It’s a quick read and I enjoyed it.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Marie Curie is Polish. Her family faced persecution for teaching in Polish during a time when speaking Polish in class was forbidden by occupying Russians.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Shows Marie Curie’s relationship with her husband, but focuses more on the scientific partnership than the romance.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of MARIE CURIE 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

Book Review and Content, Nonfiction, , , , ,

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: Believe by Julie Mathison

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Clean Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , ,

Believe
Julie Mathison
Starr Creek Press
Published August 4, 2020

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

About Believe

Full of humor and wonder, BELIEVE explores the power and limits of the imagination – and how love both breaks and heals our hearts.

Eleven-year-old Melanie knows she’s special. She’s never been bored. She understands the secret language of old houses and makes jewels out of broken glass. Her imagination can do anything — except make friends. It’s 1980, and life as a fifth grader at Buckminster Experimental School is lonely at best, when she’s not dodging Karen, the school bully. Then, Melanie meets Sabrina, who looks like a TV star and acts like a spy, and who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She teaches Melanie how to believe in herself, and soon Melanie starts living her dreams. She even lands the lead in Peter Pan!

If only she could share it all with Mom. Missing her mom is like trying to breathe with one lung. It’s bad. Sabrina thinks they can track her down, and Melanie wants to believe, but sometimes it’s easier to pretend. Her new life feels like a house of cards, until one day it all comes crashing down and she finds herself with no choice but to face the truth… and let go.

This quirky, heartfelt middle-grade novel about grief and the resilience of the human spirit will keep you guessing until the end.

My Review

Melanie is an incredibly loveable character. I felt immediately invested in her story. Her imagination is wild and lovely. The way she explains relationships and intentions is really clever and moving, too.

Melanie’s imagination lands her the lead role in the school’s performance of PETER PAN. It helps her deal with the bullying of a fellow classmate and find the courage to make a new friend.

She describes and observes a lot of relationships in BELIEVE, too. From watching her dad interact with his friends, to navigating her own complicated relationship with her grandmother, she relates those exchanges with flair.

Fans of THE OTHER BETTER ME by Antony Jon or NOT IF I CAN HELP IT by Carolyn Mackler will definitely want this book in their libraries.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Most characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A girl in Melanie’s class bullies her– saying unkind things and making fun of her.

Drug Content
Adults drink alcohol in one scene.

Note: I received a free copy of BELIEVE 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: How Sweet the Sound by Laura L. Smith

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Nonfiction, , , , , ,

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

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

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.