Comics for choice Illustrated abortion stories, history, and politics

Review by Booklist Review

More than 60 writers and artists contributed to this collection of comics expounding on the topic of the right to end pregnancy. Some comics detail the legal, political, and medical sides of the issue, while others share their creators' personal experiences with abortion. As comics vary in length, art, and type styles, commonalities emerge, too. Several comics address Texan legislation; one in particular immortalizes Wendy Davis' filibuster in superhero style. Many personal pieces echo the pain and shame of keeping silent about abortion, as well as the exalting relief of telling their stories and hearing others', sometimes through social-media movements like #ShoutYourAbortion. Creators share their often difficult decisions as well as their gratitude for the abortions that preceded their finishing school, exiting abusive relationships, getting dream jobs, or having children they were prepared to care for. In such a wide-ranging and educational collection, an effect is clearly felt: while there is no one way to choose, feel about, or experience abortion, the life-saving human right to terminate pregnancy must be protected.--Bostrom, Annie Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Abortion is addressed as a political flash point, a personal journey, and a cultural battleground in this powerful anthology. Its diverse nonfiction comics pieces range from the triumphant to the traumatic, and editors Newlevant (No Ivy League) and Taylor (Ghost Stories) ensure no story is dismissed as unworthy: Jane, the underground abortion referral service operated by Chicago feminists in the early 1970s, is celebrated, but this volume also includes many experiences of abuse, discrimination, and cultural bias. Families disapprove, shame weighs heavily, and politicians seek to oppress. Yet hope endures, kindled by the tireless work of activists, lawyers, and everyday citizens. Sophia Foster-Dimino's intimately drawn memoir piece, "Small Mistakes Make Big Problems"-which encompasses years of struggling with a depression that deepens after she chooses to have an abortion in the context of a dysfunctional relationship-is a particular high point, as is Renee Bracey Sherman and Kennedy Tarrell's paean to personal choice. The book is at once a rallying cry, a tender lament, and song of liberation that will resonate long after the final page is turned. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by Library Journal Review

Sixty-plus women artists and authors contribute to this collection, many sharing personal experiences or those of family and friends. Others have served as abortion escorts-volunteers who help patients reach the clinic through groups of antiabortion activists-or as doulas, compassionate companions during the procedure. Some create poignant fiction or educate readers about the issue. In "The Right To Remain Unpregnant," Sarah Mirk recounts getting a five- to ten-year IUD right after the 2016 election, figuring that the Trump administration would not just reduce access to abortion but also gut family planning coverage. Ironically, Mirk points out, state support for contraception nearly halved Colorado's abortion rate during an experimental project and saved $60 million in Medicaid. The assorted black-and-white art reflects varying styles of artistry, and the mix enhances credibility. VERDICT The powerful and diverse testimonies in these 42 stories, many told here for the first time, bring nuance and complexity to the ongoing conversation and belong in all public, academic, and high school libraries.-MC © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by School Library Journal Review

Spurred by the 2016 election, editors Newlevant, Taylor, and Fox produced this deeply thoughtful, inclusive anthology of abortion stories that showcases the talents of more than 50 writers and artists, diverse in age, location, race, gender, experience, and more. Each entry offers something unique, and together they capture a nuanced understanding of abortion-the anxieties, fears, unexpected humors, and comforts-that is often lost in popular discourse. Teens will learn about trailblazers such as Dorothy Brown in Cynthia Greenlee and Jaz Malone's "They Call Her Dr. D: Tennessee's First Black Woman Legislator and Abortion Reform." The comics are unflinching in their portrayal of the external and internal pressures that weigh on an individual before or after going through this process. The black-and-white artwork shines in its originality and style: Stephanie Rodriguez's humorous but oh-so-relatable facial expressions in Daniela Diaz's "MundoFerpecto." This collection addresses difficult themes, and librarians will want to do some careful readers' advisory before handing to students. VERDICT Pair with Leah Hayes's Not Funny Ha-Ha to facilitate profound discussions on abortion with older teens.-Della Farrell, School Library Journal © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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