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books

#Resist and #Persist

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YA publishing is responding to the recent surge in social and political activism (including its attendant hashtags) with a surge in new titles tackling the topic. These books instruct teens and tweens on civil disobedience, speaking out, how to plan marches and protests, and how to generally fight back against any and all of the new and continuing injustices currently plaguing our country. They also provide inspiration and examples in the form of collective biographies that show how past and current social activists have made change and persisted in the face of tremendous challenges. Put these on display once they’re all published this fall, and prepare for the display to be empty within a matter of days.

Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers (September 25)

A perfect tool for young readers as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow, Veronica Chambers’s inspiring collection of profiles—along with Senator Cory Booker’s stirring foreword—will inspire readers of all ages to stand up for what’s right. You may only be one person, but you have the power to change the world.

Before they were activists, they were just like you and me. From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, Susan B. Anthony to Janet Mock—these remarkable figures show us what it means to take a stand and say no to injustice, even when it would be far easier to stay quiet. Resist profiles men and women who resisted tyranny, fought the odds, and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities. Along with their portraits and most memorable quotes, their stories will inspire you to speak out and rise up—every single day.

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (September 4)

What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art and prose, fifty diverse creators lend voice to young activists.

Featuring poems, letters, personal essays, art, and other works from such industry leaders as Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming), Jason Reynolds (All American Boys), Kwame Alexander (The Crossover), Andrea Pippins (I Love My Hair), Sharon Draper (Out of My Mind), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Ellen Oh (cofounder of We Need Diverse Books), and artists Ekua Holmes, Rafael Lopez, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, and more, this anthology empowers the nation’s youth to listen, learn, and build a better tomorrow.

How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation edited by Maureen Johnson

Now, more than ever, young people are motivated to make a difference in a world they’re bound to inherit. They’re ready to stand up and be heard – but with much to shout about, where they do they begin? What can I do? How can I help?

How I Resist is the response, and a way to start the conversation. To show readers that they are not helpless, and that anyone can be the change. A collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope, How I Resist features an all-star group of contributors, including, John Paul Brammer, Libba Bray, Lauren Duca, Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, Alex Gino, Hebh Jamal, Malinda Lo, Dylan Marron, Hamilton star Javier Muñoz, Rosie O’Donnell, Junauda Petrus, Jodi Picoult, Jason Reynolds, Karuna Riazi, Maya Rupert, Dana Schwartz, Dan Sinker, Ali Stroker, Jonny Sun (aka @jonnysun), Sabaa Tahir, Daniel Watts, Jennifer Weiner, Jacqueline Woodson, and more, all edited and compiled by New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson.

Nevertheless, We Persisted: 48 Voices of Defiance, Strength, and Courage with a foreword by Senator Amy Klobuchar (September 4)

“Aren’t you a terrorist?” “There are no roles for people who look like you.” “That’s a sin.” “No girls allowed.” They’ve heard it all. Actress Alia Shawkat reflects on all the parts she was told she was too “ethnic” to play. Former NFL player Wade Davis recalls his bullying of gay classmates in an attempt to hide his own sexuality. Teen Gavin Grimm shares the story that led to the infamous “bathroom bill,” and how he’s fighting it. Holocaust survivor Fanny Starr tells of her harrowing time in Aushwitz, where she watched her family disappear, one by one.

What made them rise up through the hate? What made them overcome the obstacles of their childhood to achieve extraordinary success? How did they break out of society’s limited view of who they are and find their way to the beautiful and hard-won lives they live today? With a foreword by Minnesota senator and up-and-coming Democratic party leader Amy Klobuchar, these essays share deeply personal stories of resilience, faith, love, and, yes, persistence.

We Rise: The Earth Guardians Guide to Building a Movement That Restores the Planet by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is a 16-year-old climate activist, hip-hop artist, and powerful new voice on the front lines of a global youth-led movement. He and his group the Earth Guardians believe that today’s youth will play an important role in shaping our future. They know that the choices made right now will have a lasting impact on the world of tomorrow, and people—young and old—are asking themselves what they can do to ensure a positive, just, and sustainable future. We Rise tells these stories and addresses the solutions.

Beginning with the empowering story of the Earth Guardians and how Xiuhtezcatl has become a voice for his generation, We Rise explores many aspects of effective activism and provides step-by-step information on how to start and join solution-oriented movements. With conversations between Xiuhtezcatl and well-known activists, revolutionaries, and celebrities, practical advice for living a more sustainable lifestyle, and ideas and tools for building resilient communities, We Rise is an action guide on how to face the biggest problems of today, including climate change, fossil fuel extraction, and industrial agriculture.

Things We Haven’t Said: Sexual Violence Survivors Speak Out edited by Erin Moulton

A powerful collection of poems, essays, letters, vignettes and interviews written by a diverse group of impressive adults who survived sexual violence as children and adolescents. Structured to incorporate creative writing to engage the reader and informative interviews to dig for context, this anthology is a valuable resource of hope, grit and honest conversation that will help teens tackle the topic of sexual violence, upend stigma and maintain hope for a better future.

 

We Say #NeverAgain: Reporting from the School That Inspired a Nation by the Parkland Student Journalists, edited by Melissa Falkowski and Eric Garner (October 2)

This timely and media-driven approach to the Parkland shooting, as reported by teens in the journalism and broadcasting programs and in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas newspaper, is an inside look at that tragic day and the events that followed that only they could tell.

It showcases how the teens have become media savvy and the skills they have learned and honed–harnessing social media, speaking to the press, and writing effective op-eds. Students will also share specific insight into what it has been like being approached by the press and how that has informed the way they interview their own subjects.

You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World by Caroline Paul

Being a good citizen means standing up for what’s right-and here’s just the way to start. From the author of The Gutsy Girl comes a book for those with a fierce sense of justice, a good sense of humor, and a big heart. This guide features change-maker tips, tons of DIY activities, and stories about the kids who have paved the way before, from famous activists like Malala Yousafzai and Claudette Colvin to the everyday young people whose habit changes triggered huge ripple effects. So make a sign, write a letter, volunteer, sit-in, or march! There are lots of tactics to choose from, and you’re never too young to change the world.

Our Stories, Our Voices: 21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America edited by Amy Reed (August 14)

This collection of twenty-one essays from major YA authors—including award-winning and bestselling writers—touches on a powerful range of topics related to growing up female in today’s America, and the intersection with race, religion, and ethnicity. Sure to inspire hope and solidarity to anyone who reads it, Our Stories, Our Voices belongs on every young woman’s shelf.

This anthology features essays from Martha Brockenbrough, Jaye Robin Brown, Sona Charaipotra, Brandy Colbert, Somaiya Daud, Christine Day, Alexandra Duncan, Ilene Wong (I.W.) Gregorio, Maurene Goo. Ellen Hopkins, Stephanie Kuehnert, Nina LaCour, Anna-Marie McLemore, Sandhya Menon, Hannah Moskowitz, Julie Murphy, Aisha Saeed, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Amber Smith, and Tracy Walker.

Girls Resist!: A Guide to Activism, Leadership, and Starting a Revolution by KaeLyn Rich

Take on the world and make some serious change with this handbook to everything activism, social justice, and resistance. With in-depth guides to everything from picking a cause, planning a protest, and raising money to running dispute-free meetings, promoting awareness on social media, and being an effective ally, Girls Resist! will show you how to go from “mad as heck about the way the world is going” to “effective leader who gets stuff done.” Veteran feminist organizer KaeLyn Rich shares tons of expertise that’ll inspire you as much as it teaches you the ropes. Plus, quotes and tips from fellow teen girl activists show how they stood up for change in their communities. Grab this handbook to crush inequality, start a revolution, and resist!

Wake, Rise, Resist: The Progressive Teen’s Guide to Fighting Tyrants and A*holes by Joanna Spathis and Kerri Kennedy

Joanna Spathis and Kerri Kennedy’s how-to guide to social activism for teens—or anyone, really—includes 128 well-researched actions (and plenty of entertaining snark) in ten chapters. Set up in three parts, the book is designed to guide readers into finding their political voice and is set up in such a way to help those feeling disenfranchised be more empowered instantly. Wake, Rise, Resist shows readers how to get involved in the work for social justice, racial equality, refugees, feminism, the environment, and more. This book has something to engage and empower every reader, no matter their age or personality type.

Part I: Building Your Activist Toolkit sets all activists up for success, with actions to help extroverts, introverts, artists, techies, social media junkies, and more. Part II: Activism Gets Real takes a long look at racism, sexism, and privilege and also offers a chapter with more than 15 passion projects to capture the imagination of any reader. Part III: From Activist to Advocate offers advice on how to raise awareness, raise funds, and use self-care to keep yourself in the fight. Stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control. It’s time to Wake, Rise, Resist.

Just Mercy Adapted for Young Adults: A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson (September 18)

In this very personal work–proceeds of which will go to charity–Bryan Stevenson recounts many and varied stories of his work as a lawyer in the U.S. criminal justice system on behalf of those in society who have experienced some type of discrimination and/or have been wrongly accused of a crime and who deserve a powerful advocate and due justice under the law.

Through the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), an organization Stevenson founded as a young lawyer and for which he currently serves as Executive Director, this important work continues. EJI strives to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, working to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

Steal This Country: A Handbook for Resistance, Persistence, and Fixing Almost Everything by Alexandra Styron (September 4)

Inspired by Abbie Hoffman’s radical classic, Steal This Book, author Alexandra Styron’s stirring call for resistance and citizen activism will be clearly heard by young people who don’t accept “it is what it is,” who want to make sure everybody gets an equal piece of the American pie, and who know that the future of the planet is now.

Styron’s irreverent and informative primer on how to make a difference is organized into three sections: The Why, The What, and The How. The book opens with a personal essay and a historic look at civil disobedience and teenage activism in America. That’s followed by a deep dive into several key issues: climate change, racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQIA rights, immigration, religious understanding, and intersectionality. Each chapter is introduced by an original full page comic and includes a summary of key questions, interviews with movers and shakers–from celebrities to youth activists–and spotlights on progressive organizations. The book’s final section is packed with how-to advice on ways to engage, from group activities such as organizing, marching, rallying, and petitioning to individual actions like voting with your wallet, volunteering, talking with relatives with different viewpoints, and using social activism to get out a progressive message.

Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past and Present by Jamia Wilson

Join us on a journey across borders, through time and even through space to meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in a celebration of achievement. Meet figureheads, leaders, and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and sporting heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams. Discover how their childhood dreams and experiences influenced their adult achievements. This book will help the next generation to chase their own dream . . . whatever it may be.

 

 

 

Let’s Fund These Classroom Literacy Projects Together

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Today is Inauguration Day in America.

It’s a day that the majority of the American population is unhappy about — the person being sworn in as the country’s leader didn’t earn the popular vote. His stances on everything from women’s health to LGBTQIA+ rights, to stripping healthcare, to building a literal wall between two countries and more are not what the majority wanted.

But technicalities. We get it. That’s how he won and that’s how he’ll continue to do things like avoid paying taxes or releasing that information to the American public.

What can we do as citizens, though? This is the question we’ve been mulling over since the Electoral College declared the winner.

Angie Manfredi, back in November, had a great idea. She found a few classrooms on Donors Choose that needed more money to be funded. These were for literacy-related projects serving children in schools that were of highest poverty.

In other words: the kinds of kids and classrooms most likely to be hurt by the incoming administration. The kinds of kids and classrooms that deserve to have access to basic tools to make them stronger, smart, and feel like they’re a part of this country.

That they, too, belong.

Leila and I joined in with Angie, as did a number of other wonderful bloggers, librarians, and authors, sharing classrooms we’d found with our respective social networks. None of us kept strong track, but the combined power we had and the generosity of people in the book/reading/library/teaching/publishing world meant we were able to fund a whole lot of classrooms.

And those teachers, as well as those students, were grateful.

We could think of no better way to respond to the Inauguration and changeover in America’s political world than to put together a big list of classrooms we’d like to get funded today. But more specifically, we sought out a range of classrooms in different parts of the country that were seeking project funding relating to English as a Second Language (ESL) and second language learning more broadly.

Can we do this? Let’s do this. Even a $1 donation to one classroom moves the marker a little bit closer. It’s a reminder to the future generations, as well as to the educators in those classrooms and passionate about their students, that they matter. That they deserve to learn and that they are welcome in this country, despite what the government might say or do.  Leila and I have pulled together 12 classroom projects. If you click through, you can read a full description of what the money will go toward. We’ve offered up the short explanation, along with a link. The first of these projects expires tomorrow, January 21, so let’s get them funded first, then carry on down the line.

It might not be much, but it certainly does something. And in a situation where so many of us feel powerless, this is an easy opportunity to take action.

Feel free to share this list widely. Even if you can’t make a contribution, any sharing will help tremendously. Let’s get these classrooms funded.

(Fair warning: some of these stories will break your heart.)

 

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Starting A Collection of Books In Spanish! in Morris, MN (this campaign ends tomorrow—let’s fund it first!):

 

We are a smaller rural community that has a rapidly growing population of Hispanics. Our students are incredibly smart and the main goal is for them to realize the many opportunities that they have and how they can grow as individuals to make a difference in the world we live in. If no one encourages them or provides materials they need to do this; how will that ever happen? They come from all different backgrounds and cultures – we need a library collection to match!

 

Fueling Bilingual Brains! in Chapel Hill, NC:

 

My students are eager bilingual learners. They come from Mexico, El Salvador, the U.S., and a myriad other places around the world. The majority of them have free or reduced-price lunch plans. These students have warm hearts and friendly smiles.

They are thirsty for knowledge and grow visibly every day.

In addition to learning a second language (English or Spanish), the students engage in project-based learning. They work hard every day in class to achieve high levels of learning, and then spend an extra hour in school to help them shore up whatever they need help with.

 

Bilingual Books for School and Home in New Bedford, MA:

 

My students live in a high poverty, urban area. They go to a community school where every child receives free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many of our students live in public housing, with relatives, or are homeless. Many of my students are second language learners. Many of the children do not have their needs met at home. This is often due to lack of finances, long work days, and everyday stress.

My students are excited to come to school and crave the routine of our school day.

One of the main focuses of our school is to integrate the arts into learning.

 

Kids Read First! Continued, in Lewiston, ME:

 

Imagine moving to a new country. You walk into a classroom full of new faces, immersed in a language you have never spoken.You have a happy, smiling teacher talking to you in a language you don’t understand. These are the students I teach and work with every day.

I work in a school where English Language Learners are more than half of the student population.

My students come into school every day as not only a place to learn, but a place to eat, be surrounded with friends, and more importantly, feel safe.

My school is also a Title I school in central Maine, where 100 percent of our students receive free breakfast, lunch, and snack. We help students learn English while holding on to their own language as well. My students have come from different countries in Africa, from many different and difficult situations. They are in need of the tools to make them successful in the classroom, and this all begins with a determined teacher and a vast amount of literacy rich resources.

 

My Future Leaders Need My Attention! in Yuma, AZ:

 

My 6th grade ELL class are very special to me. As a first year teacher, I have developed an attachment that makes me hungry to connect with them to get them to reach for the stars and beyond. They are not only struggling to learn the English language, but fight battles outside school in order to get ahead. Most of the students, have their parents in Mexico, and at times see them only once a week. Imagine being 11 and 12 year old separated from your parents in whom you depend on!

Everyday I tell my students they are “Tomorrow Leaders.” These 6th graders need my full support and attention to encourage them not to give up.

They also need reassurance from the school faculty, community and their family members. We are their armor, and with these tools, they will continue to fight upcoming battles to win this war.

Language is a barrier in my class, as I also have 2 Arabic students from Yemen, who have no idea how to put on this armor that the school has provided. Resources are needed but I feel the attention of a teacher is a powerful tool that can benefit each student.

 

Graphic Novels to Reach Success in English!, in Jamaica, NY:

 

My students are English Language Learners who speak Spanish, Bengali, Arabic and Urdu. They are eager to develop as readers and love to read books with visuals and graphics. We are located in Jamaica Queens and this is the second year we exist as a school.

The picture of our school shows a window of opportunity, we believe all of students will have the best opportunities if they believe in themselves.

Our students engage in Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Math on a weekly basis.

 

Teach in Color, in Houston, TX:

 

I am a second grade ESL teacher in a Dual Language program. This school year, my content area is English and Math. Most of my students have been learning English and Spanish since kindergarten! Many of my students’ native language is Spanish.

My students work diligently everyday to learn both English and Spanish.

As an ESL teacher, I should provide several visual cues for English words and vocabulary. Pictures should be in color, but I do not have a color printer or ink to provide a visual-rich environment.

 

To Read is to Live More Than One Life, in Oxon Hill, MD:

 

I teach a beautiful, lively bunch of English language learners that are at every level of English language acquisition. Many of them have faced so much transition in their young lives and yet they come to ESOL class every day with a smile for me.

Our purpose is clear; to give them every opportunity to gain the skills to be successful in the 21st century world.

Our school is a Title I school and we just got a program for autism. The children bring a wide rage of needs both academically and personally.

 

Non-Fiction Knock-Out!, in Salt Lake City, UT:

 

My students arrive at our “highly impacted” Title 1 school like kids all over the country: eager to learn and joyful at recess.

The difference is that many of their families struggle with food insecurity, unemployment, and providing the basic necessities of clothing and shelter.

For most, school is the very best part of their day. All the students in my resource classroom have IEPs (Individual Education Programs) based on their abilities and need specialized and differentiated instruction to achieve grade level competence.

 

Help Support our International and ESL Students, in Falls Church, VA:

 

Being a small district — we do not have many built-in supports for students who are considered ESL/ESOL. We need to be able to support learners of all backgrounds and need materials to help with that. These supplies will allow for one-on-one instruction as well as small group and collaborative instruction to support the whole learner. Because we live, work, and learn in the Digital Age, we need materials that will help students from all backgrounds succeed in a digital world.

 

Before There Was Google Translate…We Used Dictionaries!, in Bayside, NY:

 

What better way to welcome someone to America than by extending a helping hand!

Can you imagine trying to read a 7th grade text when you are reading on a first grade level?

That is what my students are trying to do every day.

All of my students are newcomers (in the U.S.A less than a year), or beginners (speaking English at a beginning level). Our school resides in the beautiful town of Bayside, where we have a large Chinese population and a growing Hispanic population. In my ESL class we consider ourselves a “family”. My students feel they can come to me with any problem they may encounter. I consider my ESL classroom a safe place for learning and growing.

 

First Generation English Readers, in Santa Maria, CA:

 

My students are humbled by and appreciative of the little things. Many of them do not own books at home. They are fascinated with new books and love to be in our class library. School wide, 95% of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch. I have 48 students I see daily and 46 of them are are English Learners.

My students absolutely love learning to read and take AR tests.

We have created a college bound atmosphere and my students are building a foundation that will help prepare them for their future. I am humbled to be a part of their educational journey.

 

Ferguson, Race, Civil Rights, Social Activism, and YA Fiction: A Round-Up of Reading

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Rather than write a “This Week in Reading” post this week, I thought it would be more worthwhile to instead round-up and share some of the great book lists and discussions I’ve seen centering around good reading for those interested in discussing and thinking about the situation in Ferguson. The bulk of these resources are geared toward children’s and young adult lit, though some posts go a bit beyond than, as well as a bit beyond books. Topics include race, civil rights, social activism, and privilege.

There are countless angles working here, but they are all important and worth thinking and talking about.

I can’t add anything new or thoughtful to this discussion, but what I can do is give space to those who are generating much-needed and valuable resources and elements of conversation. If you know of additional book lists or topical guides worth mentioning, please drop them into the comments. I’m happy to continue revisiting this.

  • Lyn Miller-Lachmann talks about two YA titles — one out now and one coming out this fall — and the ways that writers and artists respond to social justice. I’m including this post specifically because I cannot get Kekla Magoon’s forthcoming How it Went Down out of my head these last couple of weeks and hope it shows up on your to-read lists. 

  • At Book Riot, Brenna Clarke Gray suggests 5 good books about race in America. These are all adult titles, but teen readers who are interested should be able to read and think about them. 

Both images are from the Ferguson library. 
The left, from the director, and the right, from their Instagram account.