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The Antiracist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism
By Lucinda Dyer,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Must-read book on race, prejudice, identity, and advocacy.
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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
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.
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