Resistance: My Story of Activism

by Frantzy Luzincourt, Zoe Rosenblum (Series Editor), Amanda Uhle (Series Editor)

A young activist opens a window for young readers into his fight for equal education, racial justice, and economic equity. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian immigrants, Frantzy Luzincourt has dedicated his life to service and the empowerment of youth voices. When he was fifteen, Frantzy became the founding president of his high school’s Black Student Union, where he advocated for more Black male teachers and for bringing social justice into school curriculum. Frantzy now fights to ensure that all students, no matter their background, have access to equitable schools where young voices are championed. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Frantzy and his friends formed the Strategy for Black Lives coalition, which centers youth voices and mobilizes communities to fight against racism, discrimination, and inequity. His passion for education and criminal justice reform are integral to his identity as a young Black man.  With a voice that is both accessible and engaging, Frantzy brings forward a captivating first-person account of determination, activism, and empowerment in America. The I, Witness series delivers compelling narrative nonfiction by young people, for young people. Black-and-white spot-art throughout

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published August 9, 2022

Reviews

[Lannerz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible memoir of a very incredible activist. I really enjoyed this book from the “I, Witness” series and look forward to reading more!

I didn’t know much about Frantzy Luzincourt prior to reading and I loved learning about his story. Focusing on his journey from adolescence to adulthood, “Resistance: My Story of Activism” highlights the struggles and triumphs of being Black in the United States. Luzincourts story is an important one and I was truly captivated learning about his experiences with racial profiling as a young boy to being awarded for his activism with the Strategy for Black Lives coalition.

While this book is marketed for young adult readers, as a 25 year old, I can attest to the fact that it is still engaging and not remedial for the older crowd. This book takes an incredibly challenging topic and makes it easily understandable. I think this is a great read to help young people see themselves in books and hopefully spark a lifelong journey with activism and advocacy.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of nonfiction children's books coming out lately about activism. They tell children how to get involved locally in politics or environmental aid. This autobiography gives a much better perspective. It shows how Frantzy Luzincourt personally became an activist after the George Floyd murder. Frantzy talks about how speaking in public and joining black youth groups and running them in middle and high school and college all led up to him forming the Strategy for Black Lives coalition after the death of Floyd. This book is written for middle school readers. That is when Franzy began his activist journey and that is when readers will, hopefully, begin their activist journeys. It would be nice to see Franzy on the Supreme Court some day.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Norton Young Readers for providing an ARC of this book.

This middle grade non-fiction does a great job of making contemporary issues approachable and telling the story of an admirable and inspiring young man, Franzy Luzincourt. Young readers will appreciate the references to history that are real to them -- COVID 19 and George Floyd. Young readers will understand the value of "good trouble" and may even think about taking a chance to be "comfortable with the uncomfortable."

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, easy-to-digest series about young activists. Growing up in Brooklyn as a first generation Haitian American, Frantzy excelled at school and started the first black affinity group at his high school and continued his community building while at college. At the time of George Floyd’s death, Frantzy and a group of fellow student activists created the Strategy for Black Lives Coalition to keep protests on target and focused and also to help with legislation and moving issues forward.

Frantzy is definitely one to watch. Very inspirational.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Norton Young Readers through Edelweiss+.
Part of the I, Witness series.
Luzincourt offers readers a look at how he became an activist. Readers see how his childhood experiences influenced his future career choices. This memoir shares who he is at a level middle school readers will understand. At the end, there are questions for reflection and action by readers as well as a timeline of his life.
Well written addition to this series.

[Mitzi Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series of books,that offer a perspective based on the title from the life of an individual sharing an inside view of their world. Informative and thought provoking, especially when thinking through one’s own intersections, bias ,and self awareness.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Frantzy’s story of becoming an activist and his connections with teachers and mentors along the way was inspiring. This was the first book I read in this “I Witness” series. I look forward to reading/listening to more.

Audio

[Cynthia Gannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great voice of change that was put into action.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story of a young activist for young readers.

[Sophi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come