Imaginary Borders

Written by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Narrated by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

"It won't take you long to read this book, but it will linger in your heart and head for quite a while, and perhaps inspire you to join in the creative, blossoming movement to make this world work." -- Bill McKibben, environmentalist, New York Times bestselling author of The End of Nature, journalist, and founder of 350.org

"An inspiring story that will change the way all of us think about the climate crisis - and how we can solve it." -- Van Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Green Collar Economy and Rebuild the Dream, and co-founder of Dream Corps

"A hopeful, well-argued book on climate change written in a refreshing new voice."-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Martinez presents a meaningful, heartfelt call to action with content that reflects current issues. Additionally, the book's short length will appeal to reluctant readers. An essential purchase for any high school or public library."-- School Library Journal, starred review

In this personal, moving essay, environmental activist and hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez uses his art and his activism to show that climate change is a human issue that can't be ignored.

Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. In this installment, Earth Guardians Youth Director and hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez shows us how his music feeds his environmental activism and vice versa. Martinez visualizes a future that allows us to direct our anger, fear, and passion toward creating change. Because, at the end of the day, we all have a part to play.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Jun 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9780593208755

Reviews for Imaginary Borders

[heidisv-442185 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't agree with him politically but I appreciate the work on the subject matter.

[annawaffles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.