The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tiffany Jewel's The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism is a series of powerful lessons about racism that never talks down to young readers. Divided into three sections ("Identity," "Justice," and "Activism") and filled to overflowing with colorful illustrations, the book explores race and identity in the United States and what it means if you don't fit into the dominant culture of the U.S. Readers learn how to define bias, prejudice, and discrimination, talk honestly about our differences, understand why some people have more power than others, and find ways to become an antiracist activist. Ruby and her friends Shawn and Dani appear as characters throughout the "Identity" section. Ruby is biracial, Black, and a cisgender female. Shawn is African American, Gambian, and Dominican, has ADHD, and lives with his two moms. Dani is Taíno and Seminole, nonbinary, and uses they/them pronouns. This book is a great choice to be read and discussed by the whole family.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE ANTIRACIST KID is divided into three illustration-filled sections. "Identity" begins by looking at the two identities each of us has. A personal identity comes from your name, your family, your favorite foods, and things you're good at. A social identity comes from your race, ethnicity, gender, citizenship, and class. The section then goes on to explore where the idea of race comes from, why some people think one identity is better than others, and how we can talk about our differences. The "Justice" section examines the meaning and consequences of bias, prejudice, and discrimination and explores some tough questions (Is equal the same as fair? Why do some people have more power than others?). "What You Can Do" pages help readers learn to spot injustice and understand how to respond when someone is acting prejudiced toward them or if someone accuses them of being prejudiced. The "Activism" sections offers multiple ways to be a young activist and advocate for others. "Putting It All Together" pages at the end of each section have brief sentences (sometimes only one) that help sum up the lessons and ideas presented.
Is It Any Good?
This combination of reader-friendly language and bright bold illustrations makes even complex lessons about racism accessible to readers. The amount of information in The Antiracist Kid could seem overwhelming to some younger readers, so in her note "To Readers," author Tiffany Jewell suggests starting at the part that most interests you rather than trying to read it from beginning to end. This book can be read and discussed a few pages (or even a page) at a time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned in The Antiracist Kid about identity. What's your personal identity? Your social identity?
Do you know someone at your school who's been discriminated against because of their identity?
What are some ways you can become an antiracist kid?
Book Details
- Author: Tiffany Jewell
- Illustrator: Nicole Miles
- Genre: Learning
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Courage, Teamwork
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Versify
- Publication date: October 4, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 128
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work
Empowering activist guide to defying and disrupting racism.
-
Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness
Kid learns the dangers of white privilege in powerful story.
-
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices
Inspiring advice from diverse authors and illustrators.
-
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change
Inspiring, relatable look at young lives of adult activists.
For kids who love stories of activism and social justice
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate