Young Readers’ Edition
by Layla F. Saad
5 stars
This is such a fantastic book. I want to give it all the stars!
A kid-friendly primer on various concepts related to antiracism and white supremacy. There is a lot of information packed into it, but Saad gives the readers time to reflect and engage with the material. Though some of the topics are difficult to handle, its pacing does not feel overwhelming.
Saad covers various issues including white privilege, white fragility, tone policing, color blindness, cultural appropriation, white feminism, and accountability. Each chapter introduces the topic, often with relatable examples for kids or pulled from the media, a discussion of why the topic is important to examine, and a Recap, Reflect, Respond section at the end to help solidify the information covered.
While the book discusses some heavy issues, Saad’s approach eases the reader into thinking about them. Instead of simplifying that all white people or those who fall into racist thinking are “bad”, she focuses on accountability in learning, reflecting, and apologizing. She encourages white readers to recognize their privileges, showing that while they don’t get to choose their privileges, they can choose how they use them to be antiracist. She also emphasizes to BIPOC that “nice” people can say racist and hurtful things and that they have a right to speak up against those things. Such an approach encourages white readers to think about their actions and thoughts instead of getting defensive while affirming BIPOC’s right to speak out against racism, whether intentional or unintentional.
The book is targeted toward both BIPOC and people who have white privilege, often with breakout sections for each group to think about and how a specific topic affects their lives directly. Much of the information directly relates to white privilege while offering encouragement, affirmations, and advice to BIPOC. This includes not tone policing themselves, speaking in a way that is authentic to them, how to respond to white fragility, and affirming their right to feel represented.
Works well for ages 10 and up. Though, honestly, it’s also a great resource for adults. Its technique of easing the reader into difficult topics may work as a great intro to get adults thinking about anti-racism, especially those who are prone to white fragility and tone policing responses. A nice place to start before reading other books directed toward adults.
The backmatter contains a glossary of terms discussed in the book as well as a suggested reading list of nonfiction and fiction books about antiracism and activism.
A fantastic starting point for both BIPOC and people with white privilege to learn about antiracism and white supremacy. This book is well-written, insightful, encouraging, informative, and approachable with a long-lasting impact. An excellent read.