Review by Booklist Review
This no-nonsense guide describes the path of the anti--sexual harassment #MeToo movement; its consequences, both positive (e.g., better representation of women in government) and negative (some shunning of women in the workplace); and changes still needed. Parks (Online Addiction, 2012, and other series nonfiction titles) opens with actress Ashley Judd's publicization of #MeToo in 2017 but quickly pivots to the movement's pioneer, activist Tarana Burke, who in 2006 introduced the hashtag in relation to the harassment and abuse experienced by women of color. The chapters that follow use sensitive language to discuss many cases of harassment and their outcomes, emphasizing the cost to accusers and mentioning that men are sometimes also victims. Legislators such as Ilhan Omar as introduced, with public demand for more female legislators noted as a consequence of #MeToo. The main body of the book closes with a detailed examination of relevant legislation and future possibilities. Color stock photos of survivors and others provide visual interest, and the closing notes document the controversies in the book and provide a solid start for further research.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up--What began as a Myspace page in 2006 became the global #MeToo movement in 2017. As many women started speaking out about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, actress Alyssa Milano posted on Twitter that people should reply "Me too" if they had been harassed or assaulted. From there, Milano was introduced to civil rights activist and social justice advocate Tarana Burke. Burke originally started "Me Too" for girls and women of color to share their experiences of sexual abuse and violence. Milano and Burke teamed up, and other celebrities and everyday people spoke up and added to the conversation. This movement has had many positive cultural impacts, as well as some unintentional consequences. Park offers an informational guide that is both well written and well researched. Citations and a source notes section support the text and could lead to additional research. The historical groundwork of #MeToo wonderfully kicks off this book, followed by the positive impact and accomplishments of the movement. From there, the author shares how the movement has changed the way some men conduct interpersonal relationships with women. Parks presents facts without judgment. Informational inserts throughout the chapters highlight facts that are necessary but not needed in the main text. VERDICT A readable and valuable source. Be sure to add to your collection for readers looking to educate themselves and to conduct research on a crucial and timely topic.--Amanda Borgia, Uniondale Public Library, NY
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a tweet heard 'round the world, #MeToo sparked a movement, igniting a fiery, complex conversation about sexual harassment. Parks (Careers in Fashion, 2019, etc.) provides a robust history of sexual harassment, beginning with the #MeToo social media movement. Initiated by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 and pushed into the mainstream lexicon by actor Alyssa Milano in 2017, #MeToo demonstrates solidarity among people who have experienced sexual harassment. Parks begins with the hashtag, then details allegations against the rich and famous, like Harvey Weinstein, and elected officials such as Al Franken. She also relates the stories of those who have spoken up, including Taylor Swift and journalist Gretchen Carlson. Parks pushes the narrative beyond a tale of victim and victimized to one of victors: She correlates the #MeToo movement with the historic rise in women elected to state and federal offices in 2018, asserting that the #MeToo movement played a significant role. #MeToo sparked a wave of legislative interest and workplace policies to address sexual harassment, but not without unintended consequences. Parks explains some of the serious externalities that resulted: a presumption of guilt against the accused, diminished opportunities for women to be mentored by male colleagues, and retaliation against accusers. Men and boys are also mentioned as targets of sexual harassment. Ample color photographs add interest, and sidebars offer important contextual information.A comprehensive examination of sexual harassment and #MeToo. (source notes, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
