World Shakers

August 1, 2023

Gr 4-7-A collective biography that spotlights 15 women activists who have made significant impacts on their communities but whose stories have been largely untold. Hailing from all over the world, the subjects profiled have fought for disability and Indigenous rights, the freedom of religion, mental health awareness, among other things. Ranging from the cofounder of #BlackLivesMatter (Alicia Garza) to a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor (Lily Ebert) who uses social media (with the help of her great-grandson) to fight against anti-Semitism, they have all advocated for the rights of women. They've taken a stand against colorism, sexism, and ableism and are making changes in areas like sports and beauty standards. Pregs Bovender cofounded SPEAK, the first South African feminist magazine. Canadian Mary Two-Axe Earle helped repeal the Indian Act, which stated that any First Nations woman with legal status who married a non-status man, whether First Nations or not, lost her legal status. An illustration of the person spotlighted opens each entry. This pencil-like spot art is tinged in orange, which sometimes makes it difficult to discern the pictured. Each profile is approximately 10 pages. The language is very accessible. Unfortunately, there's very little back matter to support further research. VERDICT A good choice for those looking for collective biographies that feature women not often covered in school curricula.-Shelley M. Diaz

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