Steal this Country

Steal this Country

YA nonfiction
"Just as in the '60s, it feels like the people in control of
things are operating outside our best interests. They don't
understand us and they don't care about the things that matter to us.
Has all that stuff made you angry?Good. It ought to.
But don't let that anger make you helpless--because you're not."
Our kids and teens have just ended a most unusual school year.
Many have transitioned between in person and online learning while
others have been all remote. Athletics have been iffy at best. Many
of the other amenities for engaging them, say activities, have been
unavailable.
Many have seen how the pandemic has exacerbated preexisting
inequities: the disproportionate rate of illness and death in the
Black community; the extreme vulnerability of people in congregate
settings like jail; the financial insecurity of the poor and working
place; and the exhausting strain on women having to work from home
while unexpectedly teaching their children. And, of course, there are
still issues like immigrant abuse and global climate change to deal
with.
Going into summer vaca, I bet a lot of kids and teens would like
do something to effect change. But knowing how to can be tricky.
That's where Alexandra Styron's Steal this Country: a Handbook for
Resistance, Persistence, and Fixing almost Everything comes in. Its
three sections convey a portfolio of inspiring younger people who
wouldn't settle for the status quo; the basics of six key issues--
climate change, immigration, LGBTQIA rights; racial justice, religious
understanding, and women's rights--that include conversations with
activists engaged with their challenges; and a how to that is
basically a hands on manual on everything from being an ally through
doing marches and sit-ins to financial activism and social
enterprise. There's something for just about everyone.
Our kids have been going through a time of great insecurity and
uncertainty. Social justice work can help them gain the sense of
agency they need to face the still uncertain future with hope and
courage. If enough of them pitch in things can change for the better.
And here's an idea. How about deciding on a family cause and
working together to make a difference while bonding and creating
incredible memories? This was a big part of my kids' growing up
years. Activism gets to be part of your individual and collective
identities.
This Mothers' Day my son and his fiancée gave $50 to the animal s
helter where Tobago and I first met in our honor. Nothing purchased
could have touched my heart as deeply or made me so proud and happy.
With this world enmeshed in so many crises we need all hands on
deck more than ever before. So if there are kids or teens in your
life check out Steal this Country. You and they may find it highly
inspiring.
On a purrrsonal note, I'm having an amazing day. I visited Orono
Public Library to return books and take out more. I learned that I
can start volunteering again!!! I'm going to start next Wednesday--
bring my shelf reading magic back to the juvenile wing which I've been
told is badly in need of it. YASSS!!! I also went to Pastor M&M's
open porch which was really good. I found more returnables to cash in
for Tobago. (Jules)
All those librarians been missing her. Now they will be happy. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to the librarians and Pastors M & M.
We hazn't forgotten we promised you a surprise. The Orono Pride Zoo
menagerie is back in town and we haz the pictures to prove it.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


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