Synergy: Voter Suppression

Voter suppression is a strategy used to discourage or prevent individuals and/or entire groups from voting. Intended to influence the outcome of an election, tactics include both mental and physical intimidation. Voter suppression is illegal, but it still occurs in the United States and around the world.

Read the recently published young adult adaptation, then learn more at the website:

ONE PERSON, NO VOTE by Carol Anderson is a young adult adaptation of the award-winning adult work of nonfiction. The author explores how voter suppression negatively impacts democracy. It is divided into five parts representing themes such as as voter ID and voter rolls. Within each section, chapters explore specific historical and contemporary examples. The book concludes with discussion questions, ways to get involved, and notes.

11 BARRIERS TO VOTING from the Carnegie Corporation is a web-based project describing the most common approaches to voter suppression. For more in-depth information, readers can explore the full-report and learn how to advocate for voting rights.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3gYvG4F.

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury.

Synergy: First Names

From Malala to Amelia, many famous individuals are known by their first name. Over the past 100 years, James and Mary are the most popular names. However during the past decade, Noah and Emma have been number one. Often called a “given name”, a first name identifies an individual person while a surname generally identifies a family.

Read the recently published children's biography series, then learn more at the website:

The FIRST NAMES biography series are highly illustrated nonfiction books featuring well known people from the past and present. Middle grade readers already know many of these well-known people by their first names. These works of narrative nonfiction feature short chapters that highlight key events and ideas in the person’s life. Most books end with a glossary and timeline. Their use of mini-comics and humor are likely to engage reluctant readers. The series kicks off with Harry Houdini and Amelia Earhart, followed by Malala Yousafazai, Ada Lovelace, and Ferdinand Magellan.

GET READY FOR BABY from the Social Security Administration features the top baby names of each year along with baby names by decade, state, and territories. It also explore changes in popularity of names over time. Use this website to kickstart an exploration of famous people and their names.

To learn more, go to https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Women’s Sports

Women’s sports have existed for centuries. However in the early 20th century, societal shifts began to make female participation more acceptable in mainstream society.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

BREAKING THROUGH by Sue Macy explores how female athletes shattered stereotypes in the roaring twenties. After an introduction, Macy takes readers through the 1920s as women seek opportunities and recognition in athletics. Through photographs, biographical sketches, and primary source documents, readers examine specific examples of women took action to achieve change for themselves and others.

GETTING INTO THE GAMES is an online article from the National Women’s History Museum exploring women’s achievements in sports and the Olympic Games. This highly visual slide show examines different aspects of women’s athletics in the 20th century.

Getting into the Games
https://bit.ly/3dkXK0V

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: Body Image

Body image is a person’s perception of their own body. These feelings are impacted by other personal and environmental issues. Possessing a positive body image is important in healthy individuals.

Read the recently published young adult book, then learn more at the websites:

THE (OTHER) F WORD: A CELEBRATION OF THE FAT AND FIERCE edited by Angie Manfredi is an anthology of prose, poetry, and art celebrating body image. Each work in the collection explores a different aspect of body image acceptance. Designed for people of all sizes, the book encourages confidence and courage.

The JED FOUNDATION YouTube channel features videos that promote emotional health and positive body image. Of particular note is an interview with model and positive body activist Hunter McGrady sharing her experiences and what she wished she’d known when she was 16.

JED Foundation https://bit.ly/2XjMNXz
Hunter McGrady https://bit.ly/2MiKgGQ

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books.