• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

What is feminism? Why does it still matter? What exactly does intersectionality mean?

In order to answer these (and many other) questions, I Am a Feminist first examines the history of feminism and then addresses the issues girls and women continue to face today. The book also looks at the ways in which people, especially young people, are working together to create a world where gender equality is a reality, not a dream. The author shares stories about the courageous individuals who have made a difference in the lives of women and girls worldwide. From suffragists to the #MeToo movement, I Am a Feminist encourages readers to stand up and speak out for equality and justice.

MONIQUE POLAK écrit régulièrement pour le Montreal Gazette et a été publiée dans de nombreux autres quotidiens de renom tels que le Globe and Mail, le National Post et Newsday. Dans la collection SideStreets, elle a écrit All In et On the Game, ainsi que Flip Turn pour la collection Sports Stories. D’ailleurs, ces deux derniers ouvrages ont figuré sur la liste des meilleurs livres pour enfants du Centre du livre jeunesse canadien. Monique enseigne l’écriture ainsi que la littérature anglaise. Elle vit à Montréal, au Québec, avec son mari et sa fille.

 

MONIQUE POLAK is the author of 26 novels for young readers, as well as two non-fiction titles and a board book. Her books Hate Mail, Room for One More, and the historical novel What World is Left, which was inspired by her mother’s experience during the Holocaust, were all winners of the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and YA Literature.

 

Her books have also been nominated for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and the Arthur Ellis Award, and several have been selected as Best Books for Children and Teens by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

 

She is also a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Macleans, and Postmedia newspapers across the country, and is a columnist on ICI Radio-Canada’s Plus on est de fous, plus on lit Monique lives in Montreal, Quebec, where she teaches English and Humanities at Marianopolis College.

Monique Polak's profile page

• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Commended, Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Information Book Award - Honour Book
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Short-listed, Quebec Writers' Federation (QWF) Literary Awards - Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets

★ “Engaging and conversational...Not only fascinating and passionately written, but it would serve as an excellent tool for teachers who want to introduce feminism to their classes."

Canadian Children's Book News, starred review

"This nuanced book, which explores stories of real women working hard to change the world, will help passionate teenagers navigate life."

Booklist

"In light of the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, this concise but comprehensive examination of feminism from all angles will appeal to young readers. With its engaging content and attractive layout, this title is sure to spark meaningful discussion. Highly Recommended."

School Library Connection

“Well-informed on the evolving issues that feminism is being called to address.”

Resource Links

"A comprehensive exploration of the varied issues faced by today's girls and women…Polak speaks to her readers directly in a relaxed, relatable, conversational approach…An excellent grounding in what it means to be a feminist and a testament to the power of the movement to change things for the better."

Quill & Quire

“[Polak's] candid ability to delve into the minds of young adults, engaging style, and conversational tone should spark further discussion without fear of reprisals...A must for all young people and teachers.”

New York Journal of Books

"Polak's knowledgeable voice provides a simple yet comprehensive overview of key feminist issues, successfully highlighting the evolution of this social cause…This amply illustrated introduction will spark discussion among teens who wish to make a difference in their community."

Kirkus Reviews

"Polak has written a book that is both approachable and interesting for young readers while providing thought-provoking statistics and examples…The book will have an intellectual appeal to many young adult readers, and it is also physically appealing."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

&quotA conversational and engaging style…The extensive back matter will please researchers…A first purchase for larger libraries.&quot

School Library Journal