DigeeBooks

"This book made me want to step aside, hand over the mic, and listen to Wes. A must-read." --Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like MeBrand-new kicks, ripped denim shorts, Supreme tee--Wes Henderson has the best style in sixth grade. That--and hanging out with his crew (his best friends since little-kid days) and playing video games--is what he wants to be thinking about at the start of the school year, not the protests his parents are always dragging him to.But when a real estate developer makes an offer to buy Kensington Oaks, the neighborhood Wes has lived his whole life, everything changes. The grownups are supposed to have all the answers, but all they're doing is arguing. Even Wes's best friends are fighting. And some of them may be moving. Wes isn't about to give up the only home he's ever known. Wes has always been good at puzzles, and he knows there has to be a missing piece that will solve this puzzle and save the Oaks. But can he find it . . . before it's too late?Exploring community, gentrification, justice, and friendship, Take Back the Block introduces an irresistible 6th grader and asks what it means to belong--to a place and a movement--and to fight for what you believe in."Filled with hope, friendship, and grit--guaranteed to leave readers feeling inspired." --Stacy McAnulty, best-selling author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl"Timely and penetrating." --Kelly Starling Lyons, author of Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations"Chrystal Giles's sparkling debut will have you standing up and cheering." --Lisa Yee, award winning author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius and the DC Super Hero Girls novels"Chrystal Giles really nailed it. I loved this book." --Linda Williams Jackson, award winning author of Midnight Without a Moon"Necessary and inspiring. An empowering read." --Ashley Herring Blake, author of the Stonewall Honor Book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World"Wes will welcome middle grade readers into his delightful circle of friends, his strong and loving family, and his powerful community." --Barbara Dee, author of the ALA Notable Children's Book Maybe He Just Likes You

Take Back the Block: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Community from Corporate Injustice

Are you tired of corporate greed and injustice taking over your community? Do you want to fight back but don't know where to start? In her empowering and practical book, Take Back the Block: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Community from Corporate Injustice, Chrystal D. Giles provides a roadmap for individuals and communities to reclaim their power and stand up against corporate bullies.

Giles, a seasoned community organizer and environmental justice advocate, draws on her extensive experience to guide readers through the process of organizing a community, building a coalition of allies, and taking effective action to challenge corporate malfeasance. She offers a wealth of strategies and tactics, from grassroots organizing to legal advocacy, to help communities protect their health, environment, and quality of life from corporate exploitation.

Take Back the Block is a call to action for anyone who is ready to fight for a more just and sustainable future. It is an indispensable resource for community activists, organizers, and anyone who wants to make a difference in their community.

Key concepts explored in the book:

• The importance of community organizing and coalition building
• Strategies for identifying and documenting corporate malfeasance
• How to use legal advocacy and other tools to hold corporations accountable
• Case studies of successful community campaigns against corporate injustice
• Tips for staying motivated and resilient in the face of adversity

Praise for Take Back the Block:

"Take Back the Block is an essential guide for anyone who wants to fight back against corporate injustice. Chrystal Giles provides a wealth of practical advice and inspiration, showing us how communities can come together to protect their health, environment, and quality of life." —Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President, Waterkeeper Alliance

"Take Back the Block is a powerful call to action for communities facing corporate injustice. Chrystal Giles offers a clear and concise roadmap for organizing, taking action, and winning. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference." —Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food & Water Watch

About the Author:

Chrystal D. Giles is a community organizer, environmental justice advocate, and the author of Take Back the Block: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Community from Corporate Injustice. She has over 20 years of experience working with communities to challenge corporate malfeasance and protect their health, environment, and quality of life.