Review by Booklist Review
For young people angry, frustrated, and wanting to take action against national crises, Vitkus offers creative ways to make a difference while having fun that can be summed up in one word: craftivism. Beginning with the author's own entrée into the movement by crafting a satirical Department of Homeland Security Blanket, this primer of sorts is divided into crafting areas, including embroidery, knitting, quilting, and sculpting and building, as well as arts such as baking, photography, and graffiti. Within each section, chapters focus on individuals using their craft to raise awareness of key societal issues, such as Krista Suh and Jayna Zweiman--whose knitted, pink pussyhats contributed to feminist marches--and Guillermo Galindo, who collects objects left at the Mexico--U.S. border and turns them into musical "sonic devices." To show that craftivism is not a new concept, however, more chapters spotlight historical crafting, like women's sewing circles that raised awareness to end slavery and the ongoing NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Whether introducing modern or historical craftivists, Vitkus explains the societal issue driving each craft and related controversies (e.g., racism within early women's sewing circles) in a direct, conversational style that speaks to, not at, teen readers. Emphasizing enjoyment and process over professional products, she concludes with helpful tips and easy-to-start projects. At once fascinating, thought-provoking, and inspiring.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--The 2016 Women's March tipped off "a new wave of appreciation for handicrafts and women's work." Here, meet some of the artivists who revived a sense of community while raising awareness around issues, such as Black Lives Matter, climate crisis, and gender inequality, via handiwork. Vitkus who recounts her own history as an artivist, organizes the book by types of handiwork, from embroidery to quilting to knitting to a catch-all chapter that includes using stencils, cake decoration, beading, graffiti, wheatpasting, and zine-making. Each chapter offers historical context and project ideas. While many of these crafts are designed simply to embellish and "decorate," artivists use them to change consciousness, create human billboards, and design timely messaging via aerial photography, graffiti, flyering, or social media. Reading the interview excerpts with craftivists, such as Black Girl Magic Portraits creator Melissa Blount, Pussyhat Project creators Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh, and organizations like the Be Seen Project, will give any craftivist or crafting club lots of steam and concrete ways to connect with a wider community. Doing handiwork together, sew-ins, quilting circles, and knitting clubs, is age-old and gives a source of joy and purpose in times of crisis, provides anger management, and as Shannon Downey describes it, even presents a way out of phone addiction. VERDICT An excellent purchase for all libraries, expertly organized to document the psychological benefits and historical and contemporary ways crafting brings communities together in action.--Sara Lissa Paulson
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An overview of using crafts as a form of political activism. Profiling a variety of makers, craftspeople who use their creations to get their messages out, this bright, well-illustrated book encourages readers to try their hands at craftivism. A variety of pursuits are showcased--baking, fiber arts, and sculpting, among others--and the author interviews each creator, presenting their backstory and path to expressing themselves through crafting. The subjects are broadly diverse, and their passions connect to a range of social issues, so most readers will both feel included and learn something new. Vitkus' upbeat narrative emphasizes that it is community and message rather than technical skill that are the important parts of craftivism. Many of the people profiled are unapologetically angry about causes including sexual assault, Black women's history, and gun violence. The poignant story of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt begun in 1987 is heartening, giving context to craftivism's ability to produce change, something all the craftivists profiled are working to achieve. Over 48,000 panels strong, the quilt was developed to bear witness to the often shunned victims of AIDS and lead to greater awareness and support; it raised nearly $500,000 for AIDS research in its first year alone. Brief but cogent history lessons enrich the narrative and connect present-day activists with a legacy of creative protest. A few simple projects to get readers started are included. Expansive, inclusive, and motivating. (photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
