How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation by Maureen Johnson

How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation Reviews

• 
  Erin

  Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.
  
  3.75 stars
  
  A series of essays, poems, comics, in depth interviews and even a song aim to encourage a continuation of resistance in today's(chiefly the U.S.) political climate. Many big name writers, activists, and actors lend their voices in this collection.My reluctance in awarding it with high stars is that despite the amount of eloquent and carefully crafted selections, I am curious as to whether it would appeal to the actual targeted audience which is our youth.
• 
  Heather

  **I received this book as part of a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.**
  
  Even though this book was geared toward Young Adult readers, I learned a lot from it. And it was entertaining. The essays and interviews were extremely relatable. And I highly recommend it for readers and resisters of all ages.
• 
  Selene

  BookTube-A-Thon July 30, 2018 - August 5, 2018
  
  Challenge #7 - Read 7 books
  
  At the age of 19 I made a goal for myself to read 1,000 books before my 30th birthday. Now at the age of 27 this will be the book that gets me to that goal!
  
  “Resistance isn’t a set of steps - it is an ecosystem in which all the different creations live and help one another grow. These are hard times, but also times of great opportunity.”
  
  Could We Please Give the Police Departments to the Grandmothers? by Junauda Petrus
  2 Stars
  
  Interview by Dylan Marron
  3.5 Stars
  
  Keep Doing What You’re Doing by Malinda Lo
  5 Stars
  
  Why We ALL Need to be Activists Right Now by Lauren Duca
  4 Stars
  
  Thoughts on Resistance by Rebecca Roanhorse
  4 Stars
  
  Interview by Jason Reynolds
  3 Stars
  
  3 Things Teens Can Do to Engage in Politics Before Turning 18 by Carolyn DeWitt
  3 Stars
  
  Essay by Hebh Jamal
  3 Stars
  
  Interview by Javier Munoz
  3.5 Stars
  
  The Lucky Ones by Jennifer Wiener
  5 Stars
  
  Letter to s Sensitive Brown Queer by John Paul Brammer
  3 Stars
  
  The Clap Back by Daniel J. Watts
  3 Stars
  
  Interview by Ali Stoker
  4 Stars
  
  When by Shaina Taub
  2 Stars
  
  Part of the Problem by KC Green
  2 Stars
  
  Making Stuff That Matters by Dan Sinker
  2 Stars
  
  I, Wonder: Imagining a Black Wonder Woman by Maya Rupert
  5 Stars
  
  Rosie O’Donnell’s Five Resistance Steps by Rosie O’Donnell
  3 Stars (regardless of my thoughts on Rosie O’Donnells character)
  
  Interview by Jacqueline Woodson
  5 Stars
  
  An Announcement From Muffy Higginbottom, President of Delta Sigma Tau Sorority Resistance Committee by Libba Bray
  4 Stars
  
  Media-Consciousness as Part of Resistance! - Jonny Sun
  3.5 Stars
  
  Essay by Jodi Picoult
  5 Stars
  
  Three Easy Steps to Contact Your Reps by Kate Linnea Welsh
  4 Stars
  
  Essay by Alex Gino
  3 Stars
  
  Interview by Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson
  5 Stars
  
  Poem by Sabaa Tahir
  5 Stars
  
  The Jewish We by Dana Schwartz
  3 Stars
  
  Cartoon by Jeffrey Rowland
  4 Stars
  
  Refilling the Well by Karuna Riazi
  3 Stars
• 
  Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany)

  I like what this book is trying to do and it has some fantastic content, but unfortunately it fell a bit short of what I was hoping for. How I Resist is a collection of essays and other content (songs, poems, illustrations, interviews etc.) from a variety of authors, activists, celebrities, and more, all aimed at discussing various facets of political resistance (particularly in the Trump era) and how teenagers can get involved in political action. Which is awesome, but I think some blind spots made this book less than it could have been.
  
  The biggest issue I had with the collection (and really, this is more of an editorial issue) is with representation. Now, in some ways, there is a lot of representation here in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality etc. Which is wonderful. However, for a book that is intended to be about political activism for American youth writ large, it very much lacks representation in terms of geography. The vast majority of the contributors are from New York or other coastal areas with almost no representation from middle America. And honestly, I think it shows.
  
  While many of the individual contributors had helpful, meaningful, and inspiring things to say about the potential of the next generation, different ways to resist, and the need for change in issues like racism, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights, they mostly spoke from a very radical, urban, coastal brand of liberalism. And while I think those voices are important and needed, I think there was a missed opportunity here to also curate voices who could speak to what political action and liberal thought might look like in the South or the Midwest. We are living in a time where more people are getting involved politically than in a very long time, and that is taking place all over the country. Including young people in that is so important and while this book has lofty goals and some wonderful contributors, I was a little disappointed by the overall execution.
  
  I received an e-arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Bruna Miranda

  Livro 2 do desafio "28 livros em 28 dias"!
  Talvez esse seja um dos raros livros que eu queria ter lido a versão física porque os textos variam desde listas e entrevistas até poemas, e enquanto lia notei vários trechos que gostaria de guardar, anotar e reler sempre que a situação apertar. How I Resist é sobre resistência e como ela não é somente protestos e lutas nas ruas - apesar disso ser uma parte muito importante (!!!) -, mas como a sua existência, aceitar você mesma, pode ser um ato de resistência; mostra também como algumas pessoas não tem a opção de escolher o momento em que vão se chamar de ativista ou como parte da resistência porque são condicionadas a isso desde crianças.
  
  Tem uma boa diversidade étnica racial e de orientações e espectros sexuais e de gênero; mas sempre bom ter em mente que são todas pessoas dos EUA e que a história com movimentos sociais e resistência é bem diferente da realidade brasileira. É ótimo ver essas diferenças e achar os pontos em comum, mas bom lembrar desse detalhe antes de sair usando esse livro pra alimentar complexo de vira lata.
• 
  Alicia

  I might be in overload at this point with the amount of short story or compilations I've read recently, but if I try to remain as objective as possible it was a perfect mix of voices to talk about how they resist, hope, dream, stay sane in an unstable world-- they touch on technology and politics, speaking their minds, and keeping on living as a form of resistance.
  
  But I guess I'm questioning an audience-- because it's not necessarily there to spark activism necessarily like others I've read, it's more of an instructional guide for feeling okay about your feelings on current politics knowing how others make it okay for themselves. It's for comfort.
  
  Yet, there's a whole swath of kids that exist-- I'm looking to reach those that are not interested, disinterested, or who wholly don't care about politics and likely don't have an opinion. How many of our kids aren't paying attention because they're off doing other things?
• 
  Melania 🍒

  3.5|5
  
  || The read harder challenge 2018 - An essay anthology ||
• 
  Beth

  "Libraries: serving the resistance since forever." You SAID it, Libba Bray!! #MakeAmericaSmartAgain
  
  So this is a neat book targeted towards teenagers (but entertaining and inspiring for all of us) with essays, poems, songs and more creative work from all kinds of people, explaining why and how they "resist." Sometimes "resist" means protesting, or making art, or just being yourself in an unfriendly world - but in all cases, it means finding the truth, having compassion, and standing up for what's right. Three things this world could surely use a lot more of lately, and in the long run.
  
  I do wish the book had more visuals - art, photographs, more comics, etc. - as well as links to things like a recording of the song (shown in the book via sheet music), or but I love that it has a "reading list" of resistance books suggested by librarians from around the country!
  
  *Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  KC

  This is an outstanding collection of personal stories, poems, music, and interviews from some of the most influential icons in music, acting, politics, sports, and writing, etc... of the 21st century. Although marketed for YA, anyone can read this and get inspired. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
• 
  Lea (drumsofautumn)

  What a wonderful collection of stories and tips. It’s so motivational and weirdly optimistic in a way. It makes you feel powerful, showing you all the ways to help, to change things. It assure you that you’re not alone. It is an experience I recommend, certainly not just for teens!
• 
  Sara (A Gingerly Review)

  This really was a quick yet incredibly informative read. I'm only sorry I didn't read it sooner.
• 
  Jess

  This is a really amazing compilation of essays contributed by familiar names and activists in the area. Depending on the contributor, it could be serious, witty, fun, and more. I have a few favorites and a few that I just feel a bit meh~ I can see what this audiobook is trying to do and it has focus but at the end of the book, I didn't feel much inspired.
• 
  D.L

  I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
  I watched this book become a thing on Twitter.
  
  I don’t know if you remember because honestly, I blocked it out, but 2016/17 was a dumpster fire. After then election Maureen Johnson put out a call to action asking people how they resisted in a world that didn’t seem to want to listen. She got an overwhelming response, and a book was born. I think that this moment is the exact right moment for a book geared to teens about activism to come out.
  
  I read this book in two sittings because I started it at 10 pm and I have to go to work, so I have to sleep. It’s a quick read because it’s essays and the essays are all about 5 pages or so. There is also art, and music, poems, and interviews. Each one is personal and important and from different points of view.
  
  There’s an interview with Javier Munoz which includes a bit about when Mike Pence went to see Hamilton. Jason Reynolds discusses what it was like growing up as him and getting a tattoo at 16 and who that impacted his life. There’s an interview with Dylan Marron that discusses fandom in activism a little bit. Actors, activist, journalist, and creators of all kinds fill this book with advice and personal stories. I walked away feeling energized and ready to lead the fight.
  
  With the political climate right now, with the teenagers in Parkland fighting, with all of us finding our voices and wanted to march and fight, this book is perfect. This book gives us a place to start. We don’t have to go out and plan huge rallies. All we have to do is, as Rosie O’Donnell put it so poignantly in her section, is 5 things:
  
  “Learn everything {you} can.
  Find Like-Minded Folks
  Use {Your} voice
  Twitter {your} ass off
  Show up” – page 127
  If you are ready to change the world and don’t know where to start, this book is this place to begin. This is the moment, find your movement.
• 
  Sarah A

  How I Resist is a YA anthology and it is AMAZING. It has a vast list of diverse contributors, including authors like Malinda Lo and Sabaa Tahir, actors such as Javier Munoz and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (and his husband) and many others, including activists and journalists. It has essays, poetry, and art--all on the topic of activism and resistance. There are essays on solutions to problems we are facing in the current political climate, there are interviews with contributors about their ideas on resistance and life, and there are how-tos on how to contact your representatives and complete other acts that show that you resist.
  
  I really enjoyed reading all of the book and, even though I am not a teenager, I still found a lot of the essays and perspectives valuable and helpful to my frame of mind about the things happening in the US right now. It made me feel better about the things I am doing, and gave me some more ideas for other things I can do to continue to remain politically active and show that I will not just accept some of the terrible things that are happening right now.
  
  I honestly don't know what else I can tell you about this collection, except for that it is a must read for any teenager who is looking to get involved in society and resist. It gives a lot of good perspective about protest, but also about self care and a range of ways to engage depending on what you are comfortable with. I highly recommend giving it to any teen, but I also recommend reading it yourself.
  
  Note: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
• 
  Martha Schwalbe

  I liked the pieces by the authors and personalities I know the best from their work. I enjoyed Libby Bray's piece the most! Reading this book has made me think again about activism, a different time, a different place, yet it goes on.
  Fear really seems to be what guides the status quo: fear of losing money, fear of losing a seat in politics, fear of change, etc. It has a stranglehold on the policy makers in this country and it isn't letting go.
  The war on terror should have been against rapists, racists who act with violence, homelessness, lack of good food and clean water. This is the terror so many citizens live on a daily basis. This is the war we could win if law makers got over their fears.
• 
  Hristina

  How I Resist is a collection of essays designed to inspire the youth to speak up on the issues they're passionate about. The diversity of the essayists shined through the abundance of subjects that the essays were on. Each of them had a different and refreshing writing style, and the subtle shifts in tone here and there made it easy to consume. I enjoyed this collection a lot.
• 
  Priscilla

  If I ever need motivation or inspiration, this will be one of the books I'll go back to.
• 
  Jessica C Writes

  3.5 stars
  
  —
  
  this was a good book, and i’m so happy it exists. it’s super important & features many diverse people. but i didn’t feel as much emotion behind the majority of the pieces as i wanted to.
  
  quick read, though, and full of good quotes !
• 
  leonie

  this was very cute and inspiring, it wasn’t aimed at my age group but i can still appreciate the tips and essays
• 
  Basma

  This book is a collection of mini essays by diverse voices of what resistance means to each one of them. The essays are about a lot of different topics but there is a big focus on what resistance means in the age of Trump (quite understandable), how can a young person voice their opinions about the issues they care about, how creating stuff whether it's artworks or music or anything can be an act of resistance and how essentially activism can be done in many different ways if being a public speaker for instance isn't your thing.
  This book seems to be catered to a younger audience and even more so if you're a teen living in America. Although I think everyone living elsewhere can still find a few essays in there to relate to.
  This is the type of book that I wish I read in middle grade or high school when I basically gave no shit about anything and didn't know anything as well. I think the message behind the book would have affected me more during that time and would have maybe sparked something and made my journey of learning a bit quicker. But as is it stands now, I love what the book is conveying but I felt I wanted more out of it. I wanted more depth, more articulate thoughts and comics (there were a couple in there), more research, more realistic and actionable advice and I guess more of a good ending to each of the essays.
  This collection was a refresher to what I've read thus far and to what I've learned and I guess it's always nice to read something to refresh your mind. If you're someone who's young or you're new to the topics this book is conveying, then this is definitely for you. But if you consume a lot of books about this then I guess I would skip this.
  
  (I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
• 
  Carol

  While I know many adults feel or felt hopeless after Tr*mp was elected, I can't imagine how teens too young to vote might feel. This book, compiled/narrated by Maureen Johnson and Tim Federle, bring together a diverse and dynamic group of voices that come from all angles: the literary world, entertainment, political activists. Together they give teens hope and a foundation to create a solid action plan to resistance.
  I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration.
• 
  Sam (she_who_reads_)

  I really want to give this 5 stars, because I totally support the idea behind it, but some of contributions felt lazy, or quite disconnected from overall theme of the collection.
  I would say about 1/3 of this book is amazing and inspiring, the rest is a bit of a mess.
  In saying that- this is totally worth it just to read Libba Bray’s contribution!! I would totally recommend checking this one out if you’re at all interested as there really are some gems to be found!!
• 
  ivy francis

  Full review:
  https://bookpeopleteens.wordpress.com...
  
  I don’t have much more to say since I’m blown away by the amazingness of the book and all its contributors. Every teen living in this generation, and frankly, every person living in this time who wants to make a change should read How I Resist.
• 
  Emily Waller

  This is such a cool text! How I Resist is a super accessible “guide” for teens on activism. It is a compilation of interviews, comics, music, poetry, text conversation, and other forms of art that show each creator’s version of resistance. I really enjoyed each of the different texts, and I think teens AND adults should read this.
• 
  Cassy Lee

  I needed that. To get fired up again, to refuel in order to resist. And to laugh out loud. Libba Bray’s essay actually made me snort. Yep, I needed that.
  
  As with any anthology, not every piece is strong, but it was a good reminder to keep doing what we can. Including reading. Reading can be resistance.
• 
  Judith (xstitchinglibrarian)

  Perfect, timely and relevant for us all!
• 
  Ashley Haziel

  Expresiones de resistencia en diferentes aspectos sociales y culturales, en diferentes tipos de escritura. Una lectura ligera y relevante
• 
  Sarah

  I would have liked to see input from teens for teens, but this collection of essays, interviews, comics, and more is diverse and real.
• 
  Angel Richard

  This book is thought provoking and manages to discuss current, high level, and often touchy subjects in ways that will hopefully inspire the youth to get involved. I loved this collection and it’s wide variety of unique perspectives. Any youth who is passionate about politics and the world’s issues needs to read this.