Grade 5–9—When his high school announces that all students will be getting uniforms, Ian can't be bothered to protest. He doesn't care all that much. Then, in his social-justice class, taught by the principal, he learns that many of his favorite things are made on foreign soil by exploiting the poor people of those countries. When he finds out that the uniform he's being forced to wear is manufactured by a company that is considered one of the worst offenders, he decides to take a stand and tries to get the board to change its mind, even thought there are consequences. While the overall theme is a bit heavy-handed, the plot does moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
"Fast-paced and packed with thought-provoking questions as well as humour The use of social media in organizing events and expressing opinions, as well as their shortcomings, could provoke interesting discussions on etiquette and the Internet An inspiring and empowering read for youth living in the information age. Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine 20100401)
"The plot moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections." (School Library Journal 20100901)
"Walters uses Branded to raise awareness of a terrible social issue. Sweatshops are the subject of news broadcasts and articles, but until the products of these companies touch us directly, we tend to turn a blind eye. Teens will be interested in watching Ian as he struggles to make sense of opposing views on the subject and how adults often preach one thing and then practice another." (TeensReadToo.com )
"A thought-provoking story with engaging characters and a well-paced plot. Many readers will enjoy Branded simply as a good read but this novel would also suit a literature circle or discussion group." (Resource Links )
"Walters explores an interesting topic." (The Horn Book Guide )
Description:
From School Library Journal
Grade 5–9—When his high school announces that all students will be getting uniforms, Ian can't be bothered to protest. He doesn't care all that much. Then, in his social-justice class, taught by the principal, he learns that many of his favorite things are made on foreign soil by exploiting the poor people of those countries. When he finds out that the uniform he's being forced to wear is manufactured by a company that is considered one of the worst offenders, he decides to take a stand and tries to get the board to change its mind, even thought there are consequences. While the overall theme is a bit heavy-handed, the plot does moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
"Fast-paced and packed with thought-provoking questions as well as humour The use of social media in organizing events and expressing opinions, as well as their shortcomings, could provoke interesting discussions on etiquette and the Internet An inspiring and empowering read for youth living in the information age. Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine 20100401)
"The plot moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections." (School Library Journal 20100901)
"Walters uses Branded to raise awareness of a terrible social issue. Sweatshops are the subject of news broadcasts and articles, but until the products of these companies touch us directly, we tend to turn a blind eye. Teens will be interested in watching Ian as he struggles to make sense of opposing views on the subject and how adults often preach one thing and then practice another." (TeensReadToo.com )
"A thought-provoking story with engaging characters and a well-paced plot. Many readers will enjoy Branded simply as a good read but this novel would also suit a literature circle or discussion group." (Resource Links )
"Walters explores an interesting topic." (The Horn Book Guide )