Can Your Conversations Change the World?

July 1, 2018
PopActivism founder Paisley (Can Your Outfit Change the World?, 2018, etc.) is known for the prom dress she made out of her old math homework to raise awareness about the importance of education for all girls.Her latest book provides a brief overview of feminist activism in eight chapters, with a full-color layout of photos, sidebars, and quotes. In "A Different Type of Education," the author explains how she discovered and forged her feminist identity. "The F Word" answers the question of what feminism is and covers the history of its three waves. It also includes a brief explanation of intersectionality. "Hashtag Equality" discusses how to use social media to bring awareness to inequalities women face. "Your Body, Your Choice" urges readers to question the ways cultures police female bodies. "Smashing the Glass Ceiling" explains barriers in education and the workplace and ways to break through them. "Power Projects" describes several campaigns aimed at ending injustices girls and women endure around the world. The author acknowledges some of her favorite feminists in "Conversations in Action," and "The Future of Feminism" covers ways in which readers can become activists. The Canadian author cites statistics from a white North American viewpoint, and the book's inclusiveness only grazes the tip of the intersectional iceberg, but it's still a good jumping-off point for budding feminists searching for an upbeat place to start.Idealistic and hopeful. (glossary, resources) (Nonfiction. 12-adult)

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February 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-In the second book of the series," 21-year-old Paisley follows up Can Your Smartphone Change the World? with a broad look at feminism in a similarly approachable style. Paisley presents a brief history of Western feminism, descriptions of feminist issues such as bodily autonomy and the glass ceiling, and examples of people and campaigns working for gender equality and human rights. She includes a range of perspectives, including women of color and trans women, but oddly her brief section on intersectionality highlights only the voice of one white celebrity. Bright colors, ample photographs, engaging quotes, and "pop quizzes," along with the light conversational tone, add a teen magazine feel to the book. Unfortunately, with so much content to cover in such a slim volume, some sections feel incomplete and superficial. Unlike Smartphone, the specific focus of this title is unclear, other than generally stating the goal of "creating conversation." VERDICT While a bit scattered, this is a serviceable introduction to feminism and human rights activism from a white Western perspective. A supplemental purchase.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
Grades 6-9 Canadian writer, activist, speaker, and college student Paisley follows up Can Your Smartphone Change the World? (2017) with a second book in her PopActivism series. The opening chapter features a story (also told in the previous volume) about her 2015 prom dress and why photos of it went viral. From there, she encourages readers to have an impact as consumers by learning about questionable practices in the fashion industry and making thoughtful decisions about what they purchase and wear. She brings up many topics, from environmental concerns (the nonbiodegradable nature of polyester; chemical pollution from dyes) to the ethical ones (exploitation of child labor; inhumane working conditions). She recommends ethical brands and shopping practices. The text reads like a series of topical blog posts that are good as far as they go and sometimes linked to websites. The lack of an index limits the book's usefulness. Colorful design elements and photos (many featuring the author) help make this a quick, attractive read. This paperback will find an audience among readers concerned about how their clothing choices impact their world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)