This was a nice, if not overly in-depth, overview of the topic and the book's unique formatting (especially of the binding) really fit with the theme of protest art. ( )

Excellent overview for older kids of protest art. Added a star for how vibrant and compelling the illustration and book design are. ( )

his book will encourage and equip [readers] to use art as a language and instrument that can help…champion [their] chosen cause.”

Beginning on a personal note, Nichols breaks down her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement in Missouri, starting in 2014, and uses this jumping-off point to widen the scope to thoughtfully balance personal accounts of protest with a wider global perspective. In straightforward, accessible language she takes readers through the history of visual media for social change through the past and into the modern day, ending with speculation on where current trends will take protest art in the future. Appropriately packing the text with graphics from several artists displaying unique visual styles, author and artist Nichols prepares the next generation of young art activists with a comprehensive guide to the inextricable relationship between protest and art. Inspiring, pop-color illustrations highlight five youth climate activists around the world. Featuring examples of work and quotes from the likes of Ai Weiwei, Nina Simone, Diego Rivera, and Keith Haring, Nichols arms young readers with basic introductions in reading visual information—including color associations, common symbology, typography, and popular formats such as zine making, screen printing, and—escaping the two-dimensional—various protest demonstrations. Abundant contextual information pairs beautifully with encouragement to engage—safely—with protest in a variety of ways suited to civic-minded young artists.

Nichols is sure to inspire an entire generation of new “artivists.” (Nonfiction. 10-18)

Art of Protest is a fun and interesting book to flip through. Admittedly, protest art is not something I have a specifically keen interest in, but that's part of why I enjoyed reading through this. De Nichols' coverage of the subject is most definitely a gloss-over. This is not something meant to replace a semester learning of the intricacies of protest art at some accredited program.
If you have even a passing interest in the subject or younger readers with interest that you want an introductory text for, this is great. The entire set up gives the vibe of a 'general fun fact' type of book like a Guinness World Records for younger readers. Even the physical design of the book is like an introduction to handmade art with its rough, bespoke feel.
If you want an interesting read or one for kids, this is a wonderful starting point. It won't be in-depth enough for anyone looking for a deep dive into the history of protest art, but it's an incredible foray into it. ( )

“Art of Protest: Creating, Discovering, and Activating Art for Your Revolution” by De Nichols with illustrations by Diana Dagdita, Molly Mendoza, Olivia Twist, Saddo, and Diego Becas offers an intriguing introduction to the connections between art and activism. Divided into four sections, the book includes an overview of why art is important to social movements, a primer on protest art, examples of protest art connected to activism by young people, and the possible future of protest art.

At under 100 pages, “Art of Protest” is very much a starting point rather than a comprehensive examination of the topic. While this might be frustrating for people who want to know more about protest art and the movements described in the text, it does make for an engaging introduction, particularly for young people who are new to protest art. Readers might use this as a starting point to learn about general ideas, such as different types of protest art, and then go on to do further research into the movements and ideas included.

As other reviews have noted, the book’s binding is unusual. The book is oversized, with thick covers and an exposed edge binding. While this can present problems for shelving the book in libraries, I thought these unusual features echoed the real and raw qualities often found in protest art. ( )