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The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person
CCBC Review:
Using vignettes of his own experiences with racism to delineate his message, author Joseph crafts a highly accessible and engaging guide to racism and anti-racism for young white people. This guide covers it all. From basics (stereotypes, cultural appropriation, the necessity of correctly pronouncing people’s names, terms one should and should not say) to more complex situations and concepts (intersectional oppression, responding to a friend’s racism, recognizing bias and assumptions), Joseph challenges readers to become not an ally, but an “accomplice” in fighting racism. Short interviews with activists, writers, rappers, lawyers, and others peppered throughout the book provide additional perspectives and insight. In the back matter, “an encyclopedia of racism” and lists of people to research, books to read, movies to watch, and songs to listen to encourage continued learning. Genuine and direct, Joseph points out that it is not the duty of Black people to educate white people; rather, this book is “a gift, in the form of an opportunity.” ©2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 11 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Activism and Resistance
African Americans
Racism
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2020
Pages: 254
ISBN: 9781536217018
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, Joseph
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