This book fills a unique niche: while exploring concepts concerning public space, it also guides readers toward civic action with respect to personal interests. Idea- rich content will yield numerous discussion points and activities. Glossary, Index.

Interesting topic presented to specifically address teens. Informative, well-written, and attractively presented. ( )

Public space. Who controls it? Where should it be located? Who should be allowed to use it? Do we need public space? These and more questions are answered in this thought-provoking book which includes history, architecture and design, politics, and sociology in a broad look at public space past, present, and future.

The authors are very definite in their own opinions and presentation, but include questions and discussion of controversial aspects of public space as well as anecdotes and examples from around the world. There's also an opportunity to design your own public space and suggestions on ways to become involved and active in conserving and creating public spaces.

The book is only 80 pages long, but packs plenty of information and discussion into those pages as well as punchy graphics and a layout that keeps the text from becoming too heavy. The language and approach indicate it's aimed at middle grade and younger teens, although older teens who are interested in activism may want to pick this up as well. It's primarily focused on urban spaces and a little on suburbs. Small, rural towns and libraries (such as my own) may find this interesting but not particularly relevant. However, if you have an active teen advisory group and are thinking of renovating or designing a teen space - or a new library space - I'd recommend using this in discussion to involve teens in designing their own public space.

[Update: I find it somewhat depressing to go back and look at this in 2011 as I'm revamping posts - our teens have NOT taken ownership of their space in a good way and we are going to be asking all of the middle schoolers who are not "using" the library to leave - meaning they will be hanging out...in gas stations? Other than one after school hangout run by a church a couple days a week, there is nowhere in town for these kids to go. Sadly, our space is not working for them though - or for us. It's a hopeless problem for which I see no happy solution]

ISBN: 978-1554532933; Published March 2010 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

"What is public space, exactly? It is a place that anyone may enter freely -- young or old, rich or poor. Public spaces belong to everyone and no one in particular."This is an amazing book -- it travels the world to show you how public spaces are used in different countries and cultures, from ancient Rome and Mesopotamia up to the present day. Parks and public plazas are the most common kind of public space, but libraries, museums and monuments can also function as public spaces (usually with a few rules about respectful behavior). There are lots of reasons why some public spaces are more successful than others: traffic, buildings, trees and plants, available activities, and interesting design all add up to a useful and pleasant space for people. There are colorful illustrations of sample spaces from around the world, including Skatepark Westblaak in the Netherlands, JFK Park in Philadelphia, Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, and AL-Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt. Each of these has a brief description of how it was developed into a beautiful space for residents and visitors. Not all attempts to create public space are successful, and the authors don't shy away from discussing some of those examples, and reasoning through the failures. We can often learn as much or more from those experiences than from the more successful ones. Readers are challenged at the end to design their own version of a public space! With tips and suggestions for getting involved in community spaces and activities, this is a well-designed, engaging read about a topic that's had little play at this level. Excellent illustrations, colored sidebars and boxes, and playful page design all work together to draw readers into the text and ideas. Very cool! Grade 6 and up. ( )

Teens need public spaces. Since they don't own property, they need a place to go where they can hang out with their friends, where they can see or be seen. But is a mall a public space? Is a public school a public space? And what makes a good public space anyway?

Hadley Dyer and Marc Ngui examine many different public spaces and issues surrounding public space in this visually attractive book. Teens will appreciate the sections on laws and curfews and the information about how they can get involved to create the spaces they want to have in their communities.

Read full review on my blog: http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-watch-this-space.html ( )