Review by Booklist Review
Saad adapts her New York Times best-seller to give young readers the tools and mindset to tackle white supremacy. The East African, Arab, British, Black, Muslim author first considers types of identity and gives an overview of the social construct of race and the rise of white supremacy throughout history. From here, she breaks down parts of white supremacy, such as white privilege, white fragility, tone policing, and racist stereotypes, in individual chapters. Saad begins each chapter with personal stories that introduce the concept and includes myriad examples of thoughts and actions that perpetuate the type of racism being discussed. A "Recap, Reflect, Respond" section at the end of each chapter summarizes the key concept, asks guided questions to get readers thinking about their own views on racism, and offers suggestions on ways to respond to and fight against racism. Adult interaction may be needed to help with these concluding sections. Along the way, the author also encourages readers to recognize the feelings that may arise while processing these difficult topics. After doing so, they can use the final chapter on values and commitments to plan their own stance against racism. Pair this thought-provoking guide book with Brendan Kiely's The Other Talk (2021) to extend the conversation.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Adapted from the 2020 adult edition specifically for young future changemakers, key terms and critical concepts related to White supremacy are thoroughly explained and a course of anti-racist action is outlined. With a clear sense of her audience, Saad explores the oppressive interconnectedness of White supremacy and racism in slow and methodical detail. Chapters include clear considerations of essential vocabulary with historical and contemporary definitions as well as reflection questions and activities to support readers' continued work and thinking about the subject at hand. Overall, the consistent organization----by regularly recapping, reflecting, and providing a framework for responding to these issues of inequity----provides an accessible space for individual and group reading. Still, while presenting thoughtful definitions and personal reflection on White privilege, White fragility, tone policing, and allyship, to name just a few of the pieces of the high-stakes puzzle Saad puts together, the book works best as a distinct voice and resource added to a larger collection of anti-racist tools and conversations. As "an East African, Middle Eastern, Black, British, Muslim woman who lives in Qatar," the author proposes not just rhetoric to resolve racial tensions or avoid hurt feelings, but specific practices for young people to commit to a lifetime of anti-racist values and commitments, optimistically affirming readers each step of the way. A valuable workbook in the truest sense. (glossary, reading list) (Nonfiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
