Unrig is a nonfiction graphic novel that provides a step-by-step plan for people to get involved in our system of laws, voting, and governmental action. Told with engaging pictures and the immediacy of the 2nd person voice, this book would be a perfect for a young or old activist trying to find their way into progressive politics or as a supplemental textbook for a high school government class. I have actually already told my Social Studies colleagues about it!
With chapters entitled Unrigging the Rules, The Wealth Hoarders, and Drawing the Districts, Newman jumps right into the heart of political gridlock and Washington influencers. Using a number of credible sources including interviews with individuals and excerpts from well-known books, the author provides a wealth of support for his positions. From campaign trail to the supreme court, it is evident after reading this book that money moves things in politics and the author provides several solutions to getting the most people involved in decision making as possible regardless of individual wealth.
I went on Newman’s website to find out a little more about him and found this link that will take you to an excerpt from the book. It’s really good to have a preview of the both the art style and the organization of the book. Go ahead and check it out!
I did find the pages a bit packed at times… as if he was worried about getting it all in. But at the same time, it is just this information that a person will need if they want to enact any lasting change. The wave of change that is sweeping our nation will only be able to be sustained if activists look to long-term solutions like the ones found in this book. Kuddos to Misters Newman and O’Connor!
Link to book website here.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, First Second Books, and the author for an advanced copy for review.
Paul's Picks 
This is inappropriate for use in a school. Like the Maclean book the excerpt references, it is a work of fabulism.
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I wouldn’t go so far to say a book shouldn’t be or is inappropriate to be used in a school setting. It would never be the only text used. It’s important for students to test their skills at identifying rhetoric/ testing sources, and to see what one side has to say.
I haven’t read the Maclean book, but I have read Dark Money, which I thought was very informative.
Is there a book that could match this one? Maybe The Patriot’s History of the US? I’m not a history teacher, so I am not too knowledgeable.
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