A Young Readers Edition of We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders
November 1, 2022
Grades 5-8 Sarsour, a cochair of the 2017 Women's March and an activist for Muslim rights, has adapted this inspiring memoir from her adult book, We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders (2020). A Brooklyn-raised daughter of Palestinian immigrants, Sarsour recounts the injustices she witnessed toward students of color at her overpoliced John Jay High School, how she was able to graduate a year early, and her marriage to a Palestinian boy at age 17. She discusses her activist work at the Arab American Association of New York, which was founded by her cousin and mentor Basemah Atweh. Sarsour discusses being misidentified as Puerto Rican or Italian and reveals why she began wearing a hijab after 9/11. The national and local social justice movements she's organized are described, including her pivotal role in the Women's March. Back matter includes a glossary of Islamic and Arabic terms, endnotes, and sidebars, including one with tips on how to be an activist and ally. Sarsour's readable and uplifting story will empower young people in their own fight for social justice.
COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from November 18, 2022
Gr 5 Up-Sarsour is a Palestinian Muslim American political activist whose entire life has helped shape her into the person she is today. The daughter of Palestinian immigrants, she grew up in Brooklyn, the oldest of seven children. When she was four years old, her father opened a bodega in a predominantly Black and Latinx part of Brooklyn and named it after her. It was a gathering place for many immigrants; Sarsour writes, "I learned that even though people may look very different, every human being has very similar wants and needs." Sarsour continued to relearn that lesson in high school, on the debate team, and in watching the over-policing that went on in her neighborhood. As an adult, Sarsour organized the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017. Filled with information and insight, this young readers edition of the book We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders will inspire and motivate readers. Material in the back details the 10 most influential protests in America. VERDICT An excellent read that practically dares readers to take on the tough issues with strength and vigor, this is an outstanding purchase for all libraries.-Tracy Cronce
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from September 15, 2022
The co-organizer of the 2017 Women's March on Washington shares the story of growing to be unapologetically herself in this young readers' adaptation of her 2020 memoir. Sarsour reminisces about growing up Muslim and Palestinian American in the 1980s and '90s and her journey to becoming an community organizer. She reflects on visiting Palestine as a child, living in an underserved Brooklyn community, and how witnessing parallel injustices in both places sparked an understanding that would influence her future work. The author contrasts her youthful struggles with identity and her longing for recognition (many peers knew nothing about Palestine and questioned why it was not on the classroom map, and she was frequently mistaken for Puerto Rican or Italian) with later deciding to wear the hijab and thus being visibly Muslim in the aftermath of 9/11. She also describes grappling with personal tragedy and organizing social justice movements both locally and nationally. Weighty and challenging matters are addressed in a straightforward way in approachable language that allows young people to understand the triumphs and tribulations of an activist's life. Much of what Sarsour writes will feel relatable to readers, especially her process of dealing with identity and loss, and she offers space for them to see their own experiences reflected in hers. The moments of accomplishment, struggle, sadness, and perseverance shown here provide a touching, uplifting image of America that is seldom represented. Equal parts inspiring, emotional, and informative: a necessary read. (glossary, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 9-14)
COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.