Starred review from February 1, 2019
Gr 9 Up-This important text on rape culture explores gender norms, the intersection of race and gender, and how the transgender population is disproportionately affected by rape. Keyser also offers a timely discussion of how restorative justice can address the needs of all affected in cases of sexual harassment or violence. The design makes this volume highly readable, with highlighted quotes by teens, politicians, activists, and feminists, as well as color and captioned photographs and bold-faced inserts. Vignettes of societal responses to rape and its long-term effects on victims are varied and include interviews with teens and stories about the origins of activist organizations. Also featured is up-to-date information on legislation such as Title IX and age-of-consent laws. The author dismantles myths around rape, such as the prevalence of false reports, which in fact account for less than 10 percent of all reported cases. The back matter includes extensive source notes, a glossary, further reading lists-both fiction and nonfiction-films, and hashtags. While a global perspective is lacking, this excellent volume can be paired with recent YA fiction titles and Rupi Kaur's poetry that also call into question the deep-rooted gender norms of rape culture. VERDICT Highly recommended for every library that serves teens.-Sara Lissa Paulson, City-As-School High School, New York City
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2018
Sexual assault remains one of the most common crimes committed in the United States; this book explains why.Rape culture, described by Betty Friedan in 1963, is a set of beliefs and cultural practices that excuses sexual violence, most commonly perpetrated by cisgender men against women. Keyser (Underneath it All, 2018, etc.) references events and cultural trends ranging from the #MeToo movement to Brock Turner's acquittal to Trump's 2016 presidential election campaign to explore the underlying causes of rape culture as well as its devastating consequences. The author, who envisions the book as a "road map for building a better future," ends each chapter with recommendations for action that readers can take to combat toxic and pervasive societal attitudes. The intersectional analysis does a thorough job of considering issues like blackness and gender nonconformity. However, the people profiled, as well as the quotes from and interviews with teens, lack diversity, for example, not mentioning any high-profile cases of transgender individuals. Additionally, topics such as the high rates of sexual assault of Native American, transgender, and gender nonconforming people, among others; the effect of immigration status on reporting rape; and the potential for prison reform through restorative justice are skimmed over. While one book cannot cover everything, this one certainly could have covered more.A laudably current guide to rape culture that at times sacrifices depth for clarity. (source notes, glossary, bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 14-18)
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March 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 According to a CDC survey, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped during their lifetime. Over 50 percent of gender-nonconforming individuals are raped. This book looks at the history of rape culture and offers suggestions for change. It defines the term rape culture, explains how toxic masculinity has contributed to the ways men view and treat women, and offers examples of how the media objectifies and degrades the female body. High-profile accused sexual abusers, like Harvey Weinstein and Larry Nasser, are mentioned, as are the #MeToo and Time's Up movements. Title IX in public schools, the dress code double standard, slut shaming, and other contributing factors are discussed. "Why don't we believe rape survivors?" the author asks. "We don't want to." And in measured, fact-supported text, she goes on to explain exactly why. Concluding quotes allow people to envision a world without rape culture. This book, which includes color photos, isn't an exhaustive look at the topic, but it's a straightforward, well-organized overview for young people.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2019
Keyser provides a broad but thorough introduction to the origins and implications of rape culture in America. She approaches this complex, controversial topic with authority and approachable language, using both academic and popular sources to build a case for dismantling systemic misogyny and violence. A first-rate resource for young researchers, activists, and news consumers alike. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)