Our Stories, Our Voices

June 1, 2018
Twenty-one prominent young adult authors from diverse backgrounds share personal essays.Jaye Robin Brown, a white woman raised as a Southern belle, describes how her traditionally feminine gender presentation combined with the power of the male gaze interfered with her ability to recognize her sexuality and come out as queer. Brandy Colbert untangles the intersection between race and gender: As a high-achieving, middle-class black student in a mostly white area, she noticed history being taught in a way that allowed white girls to celebrate and proudly identify, in contrast to the little black history that was included. She saw a similar dynamic at work in the reactions white women she knew had to Hillary Clinton's presidential candidacy. While there are no transgender or gender-nonconforming contributors, the authors otherwise come from a variety of different perspectives, including religious faith, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and immigration status. A number of the essays deal sensitively and vulnerably with subjects such as abuse, sexual assault, and racist behavior and violence. The anthology is successful in showcasing a wide array of topics, although some entries end with abrupt or seemingly anecdotal conclusions. Numerous authors focus on political topics through the lens of race, gender bias, and Islamophobia, and the fundamental message is one of growth and hope.Advice and perspectives from diverse voices from which readers of all genders can benefit. (resources, about the authors) (Nonfiction essays. 14-adult)

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July 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-Twenty-one YA authors-including such well-known figures as Ellen Hopkins, Maurene Goo, and Printz award-winner Nina LaCour, as well as two unpublished authors selected from a call for submissions-reflect on their early lives and what it means to be a woman in the United States. Many of these writers experienced marginalization as younger girls based on race, immigration status, sexuality, or simply not fitting in. Each turned to writing as solace, an outlet, or a way of speaking out against injustice. The stories are all unique, some focusing on the subject's childhood, others on their lives as adults. Many discuss their anger at the recent presidential election and put out an inspiring call to action. The authors speak directly to readers in an informal tone; the essays are written in the first person with some casual profanity. A content warning in the editor's note mentions that the entries discuss race-based and sexual violence. A resource list includes websites of activist organizations, in addition to information on how to participate in the political system. VERDICT Many readers will see themselves reflected in the pages of this collection and be inspired by the first-hand accounts of overcoming adversity. A great pick for budding writers and activists.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 22, 2018
Twenty-one female YA authors and selected unpublished writers reflect on social justice, feminism, and coming-of-age in the U.S. Brandy Colbert discusses the lessons she has learned about the erasure of black individuals, Reed details experiences with sexual coercion, and multiple authors write about their outrage over President Trump’s sexism and racism (“Mexican men like my husband, my son, were called rapists by a man who embodies hate”). Collectively, the contributors provide a broad-ranging, ultimately galvanizing perspective on living as girls and women in today’s America. Ages 14–up.

May 1, 2018
Grades 8-12 Written in response to the 2016 election of Donald J. Trump, this collection of 21 personal essays from YA authors explores issues related to growing up female in contemporary America and includes two works from previously unpublished authors. Topics covered in these thoughtful, sharply voiced, and moving pieces include immigration, intersectionality, religion, feminism, rape culture, activism, identity, Islamophobia, racism, sexuality, gaslighting, LGBTQ rights, and anti-Semitism. The diversity of perspectives will likely provide window and mirror moments for a wide range of readers. Particular standouts include recent Printz winner Nina LaCour's Changing Constellations, which looks back on a high-school friend who was bullied for his sexuality, and the distance that grew between them, and Martha Brockenbrough's Not Like the Other Girls, which recounts the litany of times she was told she wasn't feminine enough, yet also that she'd never be one of the guys. Threaded through these essays is the power of art and creativity in tackling the task that lies ahead: forging a better, more just world for future generations. Truthful and empowering.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Twenty-one female YA authors offer personal essays about moments and life experiences that shaped their feminist worldview. The timely topics covered include the intersection of race and gender, sexual assault and rape, issues around weight and body image, and the experience of growing up a girl in an immigrant family. Engaging, emotional, and perfectly attuned to today's young women, this feminist collection promises to make an impact. Websites.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)