Good Trouble: Lessons from the Civil Rights Playbook - Hardcover

Noxon, Christopher

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1419732358 ISBN 13: 9781419732355

Publisher: Abrams, 2019

Synopsis

Good Trouble is the helpful antidote to all the pessimism and name-calling that is permeating today’s political and social dialogues. Revisiting episodes from the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, it highlights the essential lessons that modern-day activists and the civically minded can extract and embrace in order to move forward and create change. In words and vivid pen-and-watercolor illustrations, journalist Christopher Noxon dives into the real stories behind the front lines of the Montgomery bus boycott and the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins and notable figures such as Rosa Parks and Bayard Rustin, all while exploring the parallels between the civil rights movement era and the present moment. This thoughtful, fresh approach is sure to inspire conversation, action, and, most importantly, hope.

About this title

About the Author

Christopher Noxon is a journalist who has written for the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, the Atlantic, Los Angeles Magazine, and Salon. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City.

Reviews

Noxon revisits the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s with honesty, highlighting the brutality endured and the women who played a crucial role but whose stories of sacrifice and bravery often went untold. The author stays true to his promise not to romanticize this account. The book doesn't just capture a specific time in history; instead, it calls upon readers to take action. Throughout the historical accounts, connections are made to current events and the modern struggle for equality. Noxon highlights lessons learned by activists: reject violence, focus on oppression instead of oppressors, summon soul force, and stop waiting for leaders. These messages are made accessible for teens and will encourage them to effect change in their communities. The volume is well designed, combining a handwriting font and illustrations for an intimate tone that conveys the intensity of the topic. A reading list at the end offers further guidance. VERDICT A must-have for U.S. history collections and social activism shelves.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

Edition details

• Publisher: Abrams
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1419732358
• ISBN 13: 9781419732355
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192