April 1, 2022
Gr 5-8-Readers interested in social justice movements will find inspiration in this standout series. Readers may remember Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protests, Naomi Osaka's face masks with the names of victims of racial violence, and the Milwaukee Bucks' boycott of game 5 of the 2020 NBA finals-Athletes for Social Justice recounts these moments that moved people all over the world to demand change. Athletes for Gender Equity covers Billie Jean King's famous "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match against Bobby Riggs, plus the endless struggle of female athletes to be paid the same as their male counterparts. Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier is a well-known story, but readers may be less familiar with the monumental achievements of Black tennis players Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe outlined in Athletes for Racial Equity. With direct writing and truly moving stories, this series is essential. VERDICT A first purchase.
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April 1, 2022
Grades 3-6 This timely volume begins by looking back at the history of American athletes taking a stand for social justice. Though the introduction features the story and iconic photo of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising black-gloved fists while on the podium at the 1968 Olympics, the book's topic encompasses more than racial injustice against Black Americans. Other issues include prejudice against Asian Americans and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, voting rights restrictions, and unequal opportunities, treatment, and pay for women in sports and throughout society. Andral's text lays out the issues in each case clearly, while well-chosen color photos spotlight athletes in a variety of sports who have used their influence to promote social justice. A solid entry in the Activist Athletes series (4 titles).
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