Good Trouble: Lessons from the Civil Rights Playbook

by Christopher Noxon

Overview

Good Trouble is the helpful antidote to all the pessimism and name-calling that is permeating today’s political and social dialogues. Revisiting episodes from the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, it highlights the essential lessons that modern-day activists and the civically minded can extract and embrace in order to move forward and create change. In words and vivid pen-and-watercolor illustrations, journalist Christopher Noxon dives into the real stories behind the front lines of the Montgomery bus boycott and the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins and notable figures such as Rosa Parks and Bayard Rustin, all while exploring the parallels between the civil rights movement era and the present moment. This thoughtful, fresh approach is sure to inspire conversation, action, and, most importantly, hope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419732355
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	01/08/2019
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Christopher Noxon is a journalist who has written for the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, the Atlantic, Los Angeles Magazine, and Salon. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New York City.

Table of Contents

Foreword Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III 6

Introduction 8

Be Brave 27

Get Organized 43

Be Bold 59

Have Faith 75

Be Nonviolent 97

Lead! 117

Keep Focus 133

Be Joyous 151

Conclusion 172

Reading List 190

Editorial Reviews

[Noxon’s] illustrations add depth and deftly capture scenes, likenesses, and iconic moments.”

Booklist

This inspiring graphic guidebook is both a history primer on crucial civil-rights moments and figures from the ‘50s and ‘60s and a game plan for future activists.

New York Magazine

Providing lessons from civic movements, this illustrated edition aims to reminds readers that hope, not fear, is the greatest agent of change.

L’Officiel Magazine

Providing lessons from civic movements, this illustrated edition aims to reminds readers that hope, not fear, is the greatest agent of change.

L’Officiel Magazine

[Noxon’s] illustrations add depth and deftly capture scenes, likenesses, and iconic moments.”

Booklist

★ 03/01/2019

Noxon revisits the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s with honesty, highlighting the brutality endured and the women who played a crucial role but whose stories of sacrifice and bravery often went untold. The author stays true to his promise not to romanticize this account. The book doesn't just capture a specific time in history; instead, it calls upon readers to take action. Throughout the historical accounts, connections are made to current events and the modern struggle for equality. Noxon highlights lessons learned by activists: reject violence, focus on oppression instead of oppressors, summon soul force, and stop waiting for leaders. These messages are made accessible for teens and will encourage them to effect change in their communities. The volume is well designed, combining a handwriting font and illustrations for an intimate tone that conveys the intensity of the topic. A reading list at the end offers further guidance. VERDICT A must-have for U.S. history collections and social activism shelves.—April Sanders, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL

School Library Journal

This short listen is ably narrated by the author, except for the foreword, read by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. The audiobook’s chapters cover broad lessons from the Civil Rights movement that activists can still use today: “Be Brave,” “Get Organized,” “Be Bold,” and “Have Faith,” to name a few. Noxon does a nice job connecting the topics to events from the 1950s and 60s. His writing is interesting itself, and his delivery is straightforward, with enough inflection to keep the listener’s attention. The print version of the book is adorned with Noxon’s illustrations. The lack of them is a loss for listeners, but this is still a worthwhile history lesson and handbook. G.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2019 - AudioFile

This short listen is ably narrated by the author, except for the foreword, read by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. The audiobook’s chapters cover broad lessons from the Civil Rights movement that activists can still use today: “Be Brave,” “Get Organized,” “Be Bold,” and “Have Faith,” to name a few. Noxon does a nice job connecting the topics to events from the 1950s and 60s. His writing is interesting itself, and his delivery is straightforward, with enough inflection to keep the listener’s attention. The print version of the book is adorned with Noxon’s illustrations. The lack of them is a loss for listeners, but this is still a worthwhile history lesson and handbook. G.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2019 - AudioFile