Series in Social Activists
Books in Social Activists
Before I Had the Words: On Being a Transgender Young Adult
"A must-read for anyone who is trans or has trans family or friends."—Chase Ross, trans activist, speaker. Revealing entries from the author's personal journals as well as interviews with his mother, brother, and friends lend remarkable depth to a groundbreaking memoir of change, loss, discovery, pain, and relief. At the beginning of his physical transition from female to male, then-seventeen-year-old Skylar Kergil posted his first video on YouTube. In the months and years that followed, he recorded weekly update videos about the physical and emotional changes he experienced. Skylar's openness and positivity attracted thousands of viewers, who followed along as his voice deepened and his body changed shape. Through surgeries and recovery, highs and lows, from high school to college to the real world, Skylar welcomed others on his journey. Before I Had the Words is the story of what came before the videos and what happened behind the scenes. From early childhood memories to the changes and confusion brought by adolescence, Skylar reflects on coming of age while struggling to understand his gender. As humorous as it is heartbreaking and as informative as it is entertaining, this memoir provides an intimate look at the experience of transitioning from one gender to another. Skylar opens up about the long path to gaining his family's acceptance and to accepting himself, sharing stories along the way about smaller challenges like choosing a new name and learning to shave without eyebrow mishaps. Before I Had the Words brings new meaning to the phrase "formative years." “Every transition is unique. There are choices we all make every day that shape who we become. There is no right way or wrong way. There are no requirements for being transgender. Some people are transgender; until you hear their stories, you may not know what that means to them. I am still learning.”
Father Henson's Story of His Own Life
In "Father Henson's Story of His Own Life," Josiah Henson presents a powerful autobiographical account of his experience as an enslaved Black man in early 19th-century America. The narrative blends personal recollection with broader reflections on the institution of slavery, making it both a poignant memoir and a critical social commentary. Henson's literary style is marked by clarity and emotional depth, effectively capturing the harrowing realities of bondage while also emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit. This work is often situated within the context of the antebellum abolitionist movement, as it was one of the first autobiographies written by a former enslaved person, challenging contemporary readers' perceptions of race and humanity. Josiah Henson's life journey from slavery to freedom is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Born in 1789 in Maryland, Henson escaped to Canada, where he became an influential figure in the abolitionist movement and a conductor on the Underground Railroad. His experiences shaped not only his personal narrative but also informed his advocacy for education and the welfare of Black families. Henson's life serves as a historical reflection of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans, motivating his passionate cry for freedom and equality. This compelling narrative is highly recommended for readers seeking to understand the personal dimensions of slavery and the early struggles for civil rights. Henson's story is not merely a tale of survival but a call to action, urging contemporary audiences to confront the legacies of racism and oppression. Anyone interested in American history, African American literature, or social justice will find Henson's narrative both enlightening and inspiring.
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the the trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers! This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson's remakable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history. Look for more Little Golden Book biographies: • Misty Copeland • Simone Biles • LeBron James • Lionel Messi • Tom Brady • Muhammad Ali • Katie Ledecky
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the the trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers! This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson's remakable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history. Look for more Little Golden Book biographies: • Misty Copeland • Simone Biles • LeBron James • Lionel Messi • Tom Brady • Muhammad Ali • Katie Ledecky
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the the trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers! This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson's remakable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history. Look for more Little Golden Book biographies: • Misty Copeland • Simone Biles • LeBron James • Lionel Messi • Tom Brady • Muhammad Ali • Katie Ledecky
My Little Golden Book About Jackie Robinson
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography all about the the trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers! This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Jackie Robinson for the littlest readers. Lively text and compelling artwork detail Robinson's remakable journey from childhood, to playing for the Negro Leagues, to then becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Little ones will be inspired by the many challenges Robinson gracefully rose to, while they learn important baseball and civil rights history. Look for more Little Golden Book biographies: • Misty Copeland • Simone Biles • LeBron James • Lionel Messi • Tom Brady • Muhammad Ali • Katie Ledecky
Nevertheless, We Persisted
A powerful collection of essays from actors, activists, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Cullors, actress Alia Shawkat, actor Maulik Pancholy, poet Azure Antoinette, teen activist Gavin Grimm, and many, many more, each writing about a time in their youth when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identity--but persisted. "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. An International Latino Book Award Winner A National Council for Social Studies Selection "Each tale is a soulful testament to the endurance of the human spirit and reminds readers that they are not alone in their search for self. An unflinchingly honest book that should be required reading for every young person in America."— Kirkus , Starred review "An invaluable collection of snapshots of American society."—VOYA, Starred review "[A] gem of a book. . . There's a lot to study here and talk about on the way to becoming kinder, more empathetic, and most important, compassionate."— Booklist "Readers encountering injustice in their own lives may be compelled to take heart--and even action."— Publishers Weekly "A powerful collection of voices."— SLJ "The sheer variation in writing styles, subject-matters, and structure to these narratives provides readers with inspiration in assorted forms and a complex interpretation of what it means to persist."— The Bulletin
Right Turns
Nationally syndicated talk-radio host and noted film critic Michael Medved has taken an extraordinary journey from liberal activist to outspoken conservative. Along the way he has earned millions of admirers—and more than his share of enemies—with his disarming wit and slashing arguments on issues of pop culture and politics. In the candid, illuminating Right Turns , Medved chronicles the lessons and adventures that changed him from a Vietnam protest leader to an optimistic promoter of American patriotism, from secularism to religion, from adventurous single guy to doting husband and father. He skewers leftist orthodoxy, revealing why the Right is right and why his former colleagues on the Left remain hopelessly wrong on every cultural, political, and social issue.
The Other F Word: A Celebration of the Fat & Fierce
The definitive collection of art, poetry, and prose, celebrating fat acceptance Chubby. Curvy. Fluffy. Plus-size. Thick. Fat. The time has come for fat people to tell their own stories. The (Other) F Word combines the voices of Renée Watson, Julie Murphy, Jes Baker, Samantha Irby, Bruce Sturgell, and more in a relatable and gift-worthy guide about body image and fat acceptance. This dazzling collection of art, poetry, essays, and fashion tips is meant for people of all sizes who desire to be seen and heard in a culture consumed by a narrow definition of beauty. By combining the talents of renowned fat YA and middle-grade authors, as well as fat influencers and creators, The (Other) F Word offers teen readers and activists of all ages a tool for navigating our world with confidence and courage.
The Way the World Works
New York Times bestselling author Nicholson Baker has assembled a “provocative and entertaining” ( The Wall Street Journal ) collection of his most original and brilliant pieces from the last fifteen years. From political controversy to the intimacy of his own life, from forgotten heroes of pacifism to airplane wings, telephones, paper mills, David Remnick, Joseph Pulitzer, the OED , and the manufacture of the Venetian gondola, Nicholson Baker ranges over the map of life to examine what troubles us, what eases our pain, and what brings us joy. The Way the World Works is a keen-minded, generous-spirited compendium by a modern American master.
Things We Haven't Said
A powerful collection of poems, essays, letters, and interviews written by a diverse group of adults who survived sexual violence as children and adolescents. This anthology is a valuable resource to help teens upend stigma and create a better future.
Things We Haven't Said
A powerful collection of poems, essays, letters, and interviews written by a diverse group of adults who survived sexual violence as children and adolescents. This anthology is a valuable resource to help teens upend stigma and create a better future.