A review by bethanymiller415
Imaginary Borders by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

4.0

The Pocket Change Collective is a series of “small books with big ideas from today’s leading activists.” They are 4”x6” and 64 pages, so they truly are pocket-sized. The authors are a diverse group of young adults (most are in their twenties) whose stories are accessible and could be inspirational to teens. They focus on big ideas like climate change, art, and LGBTQIAA+ issues through the lens of each writer’s experiences that led them to their particular form of activism.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez calls on young people to make their voices heard in the fight to stop climate change in Imaginary Borders. Martinez’s journey as a climate activist began when he was just six years old and has continued into his young adulthood through his work with Earth Guardians. Martinez writes about going through a period of feeling disconnected from his activism until he began to fuse it with his work as a musician. He asserts that climate change is an issue that does not respect the imaginary borders of race, class, party, and nationality created by humans (“A superstorm doesn’t ask your political affiliation before wiping away your home”). He explains how climate justice is tied to racial and social justice and argues that for real change to occur, people from every stratum of society must be willing to make changes. This quick read would be great for teens who are budding activists or those wanting to better understand the social issues tied to climate change.