I’m not the intended audience for this, obviously. But I still found that I got a lot out of it. Though I was already familiar with the terminology used, it is always good to review it and keep the actual definitions fresh in your mind. And though a lot of the history was familiar, like with any other book on the topic, there were still things I didn’t know.
The book also features some personal stories about Tiffany’s experiences with racism and microaggressions, right back to her own childhood. She uses these experiences to provide examples, share how she dealt with them, and what she wishes she’d done differently (and what readers could do in a similar situation). She also includes several journaling activity suggestions throughout the book, so that readers can engage with their own experiences, learn about their family’s history and think about how they identify themselves and want to be viewed by the world.
I thought this was a great primer on such an important topic. It’s not overwhelming or overly complex, but it does cover what is needed to find an in-road if you’re new to learning about anti-racism, and to further your knowledge if you’re not. It’s written in a way that would be appropriate for middle grade to young adult readers, and the pictures give it a great pop of colour. Definitely a great one if you’re looking for an engaging book for young readers!
Who are you?
What is your identity?
What is racism?
How do you choose your own path?
How do you stand in solidarity?
How can you hold yourself accountable?
Learn about identities, true histories, and anti-racism work in 20 carefully laid out chapters. Written by anti-bias, anti-racist, educator and activist, Tiffany Jewell, and illustrated by French illustrator Aurélia Durand in kaleidoscopic vibrancy.
This book is written for the young person who doesn’t know how to speak up to the racist adults in their life. For the 14 year old who sees injustice at school and isn’t able to understand the role racism plays in separating them from their friends. For the kid who spends years trying to fit into the dominant culture and loses themselves for a little while. It’s for all of the Black and Brown children who have been harmed (physically and emotionally) because no one stood up for them or they couldn’t stand up for themselves; because the colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, their names made white folx feel scared and threatened.
It is written so children and young adults will feel empowered to stand up to the adults who continue to close doors in their faces. This book will give them the language and ability to understand racism and a drive to undo it. In short, it is for everyone. – Goodreads
Book Title:Â This Book Is Anti-Racist
Author:Â Tiffany Jewell (Illustrated by Aurelia Durand)
Series:Â No
Edition:Â Paperback
Published By:Â Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Released:Â January 7, 2020
Genre:Â Non-Fiction, Graphic, Middle Grade, Anti-Racism
Pages:Â 160
Date Read:Â July 12-August 1, 2021
Rating: 7/10
Average Goodreads Rating:Â 4.48/5 (5,069 ratings)
This does sound like a good read!
It was! I’m glad I read it, even though some of it was familiar. It’s never bad to go back over things you know to learn a few new things, and now I have a great book to recommend to younger readers on a vital topic.