A quick and amazing overview surrounding climate change and activism. An awesome introduction of Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, so lovely to hear from his voice and perspective.

Imaginary Borders helped motivate me to keep climate change a priority in my life. Environmental issues can be really depressing to read about, but although some of the passages were full of anger, it will drive us all to change the way we treat this planet.

Relevant read on an important topic! The more young people that have exposure to gain an understanding and an interest, the more attention it will receive and the focus will be magnified! Great read for a high school book club.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book has easy to read language and seems like it could be relatable for teens. It is more of a real life story with fact than a non-fiction book analyzing the borders of countries and interactions with people.

This book would be right up our school's alley - we have a whole option group that studies environmental science. While I loved the book and thing the information is spot on, the profanity keeps me from giving it to our middle school audience. It is a must read for high school and above.

Climate change is very real and as I read this book, Oregon was burning down and then in danger of flooding. You'd have to be an idiot to not know what is happening to our planet. But the quote hitting me was, "Currently, the US government is spending $649 billion annually to subsidize fossil fuels, more than ten times the budget for education." Can you imagine that much money going toward public schools? I'm afraid to even dream.

The book is short and easily read in an hour or two. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is because we can't order this for our middle schoolers - bad words and all.

Martinez recounts his journey from a child climate activist to hip-hop artist and Youth Director of the Earth Guardians organization.  He presents an intimate look at the intersection or art and activism as well as the ups and downs of a life closely intertwined with both.  

VERDICT is that this is a quick and engaging read for young readers interested in climate change and/or activism.  Martinez’s passion for instigating change comes across through this essay-like book.  I believe this book will lead some young readers to seek out ways they can become activists for causes they believe in, climate or otherwise.  I love the way this book highlights how accessible activism can be for folks of all ages, as well as how bringing your own passion and talents to your activism can inspire the people around you.

IMAGINARY BORDERS by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is part of a new, short length collection called Pocket Change Collective (from Penguin).  I learned more about these titles at SLJTeen Live this summer and was actually pretty excited to review one, particularly since Martinez' work had received a starred review from both Kirkus ("a refreshing new voice") and School Library Journal.  However, I was disappointed.  School Library Journal called this a "heartfelt call to action" and I think it truly is, but there seemed to be a gratuitous use of informal and inappropriate language (e.g., older generation had done a s****y job, driving in LA can suuuck, a f'd-up web, -- all in the first few pages). Maybe that language and disrespectful attitude is meant to appeal to reluctant readers, but it actually felt condescending and sensationalized, especially for such an important topic as environmental degradation and climate change.

I just adore these pocket edition books. I love the short focused nature. They are very hard hitting and to the point. This one focused a lot on climate change but most interestingly was how Martinez tied in oppression to how it can affect the changes in these communities. A+

Thank you Netgalley for an e-acr of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Posted to Goodreads: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I honestly love this little book. I wish there were less swears so I could teach it with my middle schoolers. Martinez gives a great overview of climate change without going too in depth, but provides resources for anyone interested in delving deeper.

This slim volume really packs a punch.

Martinez says right at the beginning that he has been an activist and an artist for most of his life, and you can feel the power of his experience, passion, and creativity throughout his writing. I read this essay in one sitting, swept up by the force of his words until about 2/3 of the way through. This one section, describing his musical career and his rise to fame, feels disconnected from the rest. The previous chapter ends on a dire note, but instead of continuing the "we can fix this" momentum, he outlines his own exceptional childhood and teen years, describing experiences and opportunities that seem unattainable for the average person. He brings it together in the end, though, emphasizing that we need all kinds of skills, including creativity and music, to bring people together and combat the climate crisis.

If teens can pick this title out of the pack, they will not be disappointed. The author's voice is authentically edgy, with swearing and slang naturally peppered into the powerful speech. There were even facts and stories that I hadn't encountered before, but I found myself wishing for more references to back up the statistics. While it is far from a textbook, this is an accessible introduction to the issue; I could see already-inspired teens sharing quotes and passing this book along to others.

4 ⭐️

This book hits right where it needs to. It’s short and empowering, and it leaves you with that need to contribute to the cause. The language is accessible for those who don’t know much about climate change, without being boring to those who’ve done their research.

I only wish the author had included sources. Its great to give numbers and statistics, but they can’t be used if you don’t properly cite your sources. They end up just being a bunch of numbers that the first skeptic you come across will be able to ruin your whole argument. A book for teens should especially normalize citing sources.

A wonderful read that every person should take the time to read. In a world full of cishet white authors, this book is a great way to diversify your reading habits and take the time to learn something. Absolutely brilliant.

Xiuhtezcatl Martinez has been fighting for climate change since the age of six.  He states that his generation has more tools available to them with the presence of social media.   Therefore, they understand the problems of the world.  It is not that his generation does not care, it is that they find it hard to engage when no real solutions are presented.  In his short novel, Imaginary Borders, Mr. Martinez’s focal points are the connection between many global crises and climate change, what he is doing to help, and what the readers can do when they are ready to engage.

Mr. Martinez illustrates his argument using many statistics, historical examples and his own experiences.  The population destroying the earth’s climate is not the population having to live with the consequences. People of Color (POC) in poorer neighborhoods, or even poorer countries, are usually the ones whose homes are flooded or burned during storms which are coming more frequently due to climate change.  According to current trends, by the end of the century climate catastrophes will be 64 times worse “which would mean more than half of California burning every year.”  Mr. Martinez also makes the connections between climate change, national budget issues,  immigration, and even wars.  Solve the problem with climate change, and it could alleviate the others.  Mr. Martinez is calling on others in his generation to help redefine the movement with their diverse talents.  As the author states, “It’s not about changing the world - it’s about building it together.” 

With this book, the author is addressing today’s young adults.  The content reflects issues in society today; it is heart-felt and to the point.  In addition, the novel is short and meaningful which will appeal to reluctant readers. Therefore, Imaginary Borders is an essential purchase for any high school or public library.

Thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the free advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

One in  the Pocket Change Collective Series, Imaginary Borders examines how climate change impacts us all, regardless of city limits and borders. The author uses his art and music to express his distress about our current climate crisis. One of the aspects that I enjoyed about this book is that while it is short, it provides big ideas from which to build a movement. "We all have a responsibility to be a part o this redefinition of movement culture," Martinez writes. Martinez uses anecdotes to show how climate change has impacted his own life, constantly reminding readers that "if we wait for the floodwater to reach our doorstep, it will be too late."

Martinez's written word is an art form in itself. His writing exemplifies the storytelling of his ancestors and the power of self-expression. "Art can build a bridge to fill those gaps of connection," explains Martinez, showing that art of any kind can be used to share hard truths and deeper ideas in a form that is easier to understand. He reiterates the need for diverse voices in every movement in order to help build those bridges and tear down walls that have been built for generation after generation.

There are many quotable moments in this small book. It would make for a great gift book for a graduate or someone looking to make a change in the world. Some of Martinez's stories were scattered, which made the continuity of his ideas falter a bit. Nevertheless, his ideas are worth expounding upon, and I hope others find inspiration in his art and his words.