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90sinmyheart's review
3.0
I love the concept, but some of the sections had factual errors or should have been worded differently (though it's never going to be perfect because things change with time) - e.g. I was surprised that a section said Alan Turing "killed himself" instead of "died by suicide" since suicide is not a choice if people cannot think rationally due to mental illness. I also wouldn't have chosen to have a quote and drawing of Bill Gates, one of the most privileged people on the planet, unless it was part of a discussion on privilege.
saidtheraina's review
3.0
I love that they made a book about power dynamics for kids.
This originates from the UK, and you can feel that in the content of the book.
Got to the Gender Matters section, and it didn't go nearly far enough in deconstructing the gender binary for me to 1. give it to my enby kid, or 2. share it with every elementary schooler in one of my school visits. So I didn't 3. finish the book.
Love the topic choice though, and hope to see more things like this in the future!
This originates from the UK, and you can feel that in the content of the book.
Got to the Gender Matters section, and it didn't go nearly far enough in deconstructing the gender binary for me to 1. give it to my enby kid, or 2. share it with every elementary schooler in one of my school visits. So I didn't 3. finish the book.
Love the topic choice though, and hope to see more things like this in the future!
jentidders's review
3.0
The Power Book explains the concept of power to younger readers, particularly that power is neutral, but that it depends on who is using it and how it is used as to whether it helps or hurts, and how it affects individuals and groups. Although it could be more intersectional, it does address how racism, homophobia and other prejudices can take away power. This is a helpful and informative text that conveys a difficult and abstract concept in an accessible way, which would be great for both parents and teachers to use with their children.
laurensalisbury's review
3.0
This was a pretty good introduction to elements of power, but I agree with other reviewers that it's unclear who the target audience really is. I read this as a book for middle grade students but I could see where it might skew older/younger depending on the section being read. I found myself wondering if there were some better, more diverse examples of leaders, rebels, and activists that could have been included. I see the value of citing folks like MLK and Rosa Parks, but many of the examples are of people who have either been overrepresented in other writing or are problematic examples that aren't contextualized due to the short form of the book.
aztheninth's review
5.0
Disclaimer I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I've been eagerly awaiting this book since I first read about it!! The premise had me floored!
I am very happy to say this book did not disappoint!!!
This book is amazing! In very clear easy to understand language it breaks down power structures, hierarchies and who has it and why for kids (and other new social justice learners). These are complicated concepts and the authors do a wonderful job synthesizing them. I also really loved the "thinking points" posed to the reader as one goes through. The questions help readers to formulate their own opinions and learn actively. There are also a good amount of resources at the back for further study as well.
I've been eagerly awaiting this book since I first read about it!! The premise had me floored!
I am very happy to say this book did not disappoint!!!
This book is amazing! In very clear easy to understand language it breaks down power structures, hierarchies and who has it and why for kids (and other new social justice learners). These are complicated concepts and the authors do a wonderful job synthesizing them. I also really loved the "thinking points" posed to the reader as one goes through. The questions help readers to formulate their own opinions and learn actively. There are also a good amount of resources at the back for further study as well.
ozshark's review
3.0
I think this is an important book and it ties in well with our PDHPE syllabus as students need to understand power in relationships. It is well presented, the only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is I am not sure how well my primary students will respond to it. Maybe it is more suited for early high-school?
atperez's review
3.0
Overall, I appreciate what the book is setting out to do. However, I was surprised to read that Trayvon Martin was shot by a "police officer" rather than Zimmerman. Though Zimmerman apparently showed interest in the police force, to my knowledge, he never worked as one and doesn't seem to have been one when he shot Trayvon. That seems like a big detail to mess up, and there are unfortunately more than enough other examples of police killings that this didn't need to be invented if I'm not wrong about Zimmerman.
alexandraaforte's review
3.0
To be honest, I'm not sure what ages this kids book is supposed to be aimed at, but I thought it was way too wordy for a children's book.
I think it covered a lot of important topics and the categories it was separated into was laid out well, but I still feel like you opened to a page and it was overwhelming? There were little pictures everywhere with floating boxes of a lot of text everywhere.
I think the content was great, but the execution could have been a bit better.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think it covered a lot of important topics and the categories it was separated into was laid out well, but I still feel like you opened to a page and it was overwhelming? There were little pictures everywhere with floating boxes of a lot of text everywhere.
I think the content was great, but the execution could have been a bit better.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
dcoelho's review against another edition
5.0
Although not conclusive and a few minor things that could be expanded, this is an excellent book for kids, young adults and adults a like to use as a starting point. The illustrations are great and there were "thinking points" throughout to facilitate discussion and further learning. Understanding power in the context of systems and individuals is so important and this book delivers that in a captivating and accessible way.