Activism - (It Happened to Me) by Kathlyn Gay (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book looks at the many opportunities for teen activism and shows how more teens can get involved in causes that are important to them. Among the causes most important to teens covered in this book are campaigns for animal rights and world peace and against sexual violence...

Book Synopsis

Despite claims that young people today don't care about the world they live in and don't get involved in causes, more and more teens are taking up the fight for things they truly believe in. In fact, there are more than 10,000 members nationwide for the Youth Rights Movement and more than 50,000 members, fans, and supporters of Kids against Animal Cruelty. Many young adults who aren't involved are simply unaware of how to become activists or where to start championing their causes.

In Activism: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gayexplains why people become activists, the types of causes they advocate or oppose, and how teenagers can get involved. Activists are vigorous supporters for issues that are important to them, from social causes to political campaigns. While students often volunteer for a short period of time for school credit, many want to continue doing more outside of the classroom. This book assists those young adults who want to learn more about specific issues and organizations. Chapters are divided by topic and include

Youth rightsTeen healthCampaigns against sexual violence and traffickingAnimal rightsReligious issuesPeace effortsGun control and gun rightsImmigration
This book also includes a valuable chapter on learning to be an activist and a resource section that lists dozens of organizations dedicated to specific causes. Throughout this book, the author highlights the lives and activities of numerous teens who are long-term activists and also suggests books and films that promote activism. Activism: The Ultimate Teen Guide is a wonderful resource for young adults who are interested in making the world a better place.

Review Quotes

"Gr 7 Up-This guide introduces the major issues addressed by young activists and shares the stories of real teens fighting for what they believe in. Gay describes 10 causes and the ways in which kids and teens have taken action. Some sections stress facts and statistics more than activism, particularly in chapters on sexual assault and climate change. Because of the grassroots and often localized nature of activism and the emphasis on current topics, the sources cited are primarily blogs and websites. The title is thoroughly researched and highlights diverse teen activists across the country. Gay offers historical perspectives and many resources for further reading and viewing. The information is up-to-date, including the latest about gay marriage and immigration reform. . . .VERDICT . . . [O]nce teens begin to read, they will gain knowledge about timely topics and may be inspired to act for change." --School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-This guide introduces the major issues addressed by young activists and shares the stories of real teens fighting for what they believe in. Gay describes 10 causes and the ways in which kids and teens have taken action. Some sections stress facts and statistics more than activism, particularly in chapters on sexual assault and climate change. Because of the grassroots and often localized nature of activism and the emphasis on current topics, the sources cited are primarily blogs and websites. The title is thoroughly researched and highlights diverse teen activists across the country. Gay offers historical perspectives and many resources for further reading and viewing. The information is up-to-date, including the latest about gay marriage and immigration reform. . . .VERDICT . . . [O]nce teens begin to read, they will gain knowledge about timely topics and may be inspired to act for change.

About the Author

Kathlyn Gay has written more than 120 books and articles. She is the author of several titles in the "It Happened to Me" series for Rowman & Littlefield, including Cultural Diversity (2003), Volunteering (2004), The Military and Teens (2008), Body Image and Appearance (2009), Living Green (2012), Bigotry and Intolerance (2013), and Divorce (2014).