School Library Journal
11/01/2021
Gr 9 Up—On October 5, 2017, two New York Times reporters broke the story of Harvey Weinstein's serial sexual harassment. Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey had a long journey in publishing this article and were met with many roadblocks and speed bumps. Together they contacted numerous people, including famous actresses and employees of Miramax and The Weinstein Company. Based on the subject of their article, they had to tread lightly and be sensitive to the survivors with whom they spoke. Weinstein and his team did not make publishing the story easy for them, but in the end, Kantor and Twohey's investigative journalism won out. This is a young reader's adaptation of their She Said. The subtitle might lead readers to believe that this is a how-to guide. Instead, it is a narrative of the authors' investigative journalism experience of the Weinstein story, and it also briefly covers the aftermath. In reading the well-presented report, readers get an inside look into investigative journalism and how it can be a long and challenging process. Readers can find a list of easy-to-follow tips at the end of the book. The book is well written, but the information presented could be challenging to retain. VERDICT This may be hard to hand to teens, but those who are fans of investigative journalism and high-profile cases will devour it.—Amanda Borgia, Uniondale P.L., NY
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2021-06-29
In this adaptation of their bestselling She Said (2019), two journalists for the New York Times describe the reporting process that led to their breaking the story of Harvey Weinstein’s serial sexual harassment.
In 2017, journalist Kantor, who had spent some years unearthing and reporting on corporate gender bias, convinced actress Rose McGowan to talk to her about mistreatment of women in the entertainment industry and, specifically, about an incident with the noted producer. This was the beginning of a monthslong investigation by Kantor and fellow reporter Twohey that culminated in a series of stories that fanned the flames of the #MeToo movement and led to the loss of Weinstein’s job, reputation, and freedom following a court conviction. Adapter Shamir has tightened the narrative in the adult original and focused it more sharply on the reporting of that particular story. This version introduces more background information about the reporters and the reasons behind their methods; removes stories about Donald Trump, Christine Blasey Ford, and Brett Kavanaugh; and includes a final section containing solid advice for aspiring teen journalists. Throughout this fast-paced and gripping account, they show how the process of carrying out this type of groundbreaking investigative work is accomplished. Their eye-opening revelations will inspire and leave an indelible mark on readers.
A timely, critical read about the ways power and privilege work in our society. (note to readers, endnotes) (Nonfiction. 12-18)