Sexism and Race

March 15, 2018
Grades 8-11 With the controversies surrounding the planning of the 2017 Women's March as its launchpad, this installment in the Being Female in America series (6 titles) cogently lays out the history of the intersections of race and gender and highlights the many inequalities women of color still face today. Harris and Pinede uses lots of stats and figures, and while that might initially dissuade some readers, it makes their argument?that women of color uniquely face systemic discrimination in everything from wages to health care to representation in government and more?even more convincing. The scope of this issue is dizzying, and while the coverage is, subsequently, not comprehensive, the authors nonetheless provide readers with a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the issues. Factoid-filled sidebars and discussion-fueling critical-thinking questions round out this timely, informative, and necessary volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
In readable prose, Harris unpacks the biases, double standards, and unrealistic expectations placed on American women in a variety of settings. Harris manages to provide a fresh and unique approach with each title, and throughout the series she encourages readers to consider the issues from a wide angle. Discussion starters and related-topic sidebars are sprinkled throughout each text. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

April 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-The authors pull no punches when it comes to examining historical and contemporary forms of sexism in the United States. Each volume is steeped in statistics, research, and newsworthy anecdotes. Ingrained gender stereotypes and the differences between sexism and misogyny are explored, with insightful coverage given to gender-based violence, the objectification of girls, and the psychology behind both. Self-image and self-esteem are also thoroughly examined, as is the media's role in proliferating unattainable ideals. Discussions on intersectionality and its necessity when evaluating the specific brand of prejudice aimed at women of color is often overlooked in books for this age group, but this series does an excellent job explaining and exploring the concept. VERDICT An insightful and necessary purchase for teens.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.