The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Black Friend, by Frederick Joseph, speaks directly to young White people to show them how racism and mircoraggressions feel, and how they can be anti-racist. Even though it's addressed to White people, that shouldn't deter readers of color. There's a lot of affirmation and "you are not alone" camaraderie here as well. Joseph reflects on his own experiences with racism and White supremacy from childhood to college and shares conversations on the topic with a diverse group of well-known figures including YA author Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), sports journalist Jemele Hill, and social activist Xorje Olivares. Murders of unarmed Black people by police and others are referenced, and some situations the author describes are tense and scary. Though the "N" word is spelled out several times, its use is contextualized by the author and consequences are explained. The serious topic is relayed with care and gentle humor, making this a great pick to encourage tweens and teens to kick-start their anti-racism efforts.
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What's the Story?
Author Frederick Joseph begins THE BLACK FRIEND with a heart-wrenching letter to his 8-year-old brother that establishes the stakes and creates a space of empathy. Each chapter includes experiences from Joseph's life and his reflections, progressing from elementary school, through middle and high school, and into college. Text boxes throughout provide context, explain cultural touchstones, and direct readers to the Encyclopedia of Racism at the end of the book. Toward the middle or end of each chapter, the author shares excerpts of conversations with prominent artists, activists, writers, etc. that reinforce the author's main themes. Back-of-the-book matter includes the Encyclopedia of Racism, a list of people and things to know, a playlist, source notes, and an index.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a powerful enticement to change, even as it alternately relies on gentle humor and emotional truth-telling to help young folks wake up to the imperative of racial justice. In The Black Friend, author Frederick Joseph speaks directly to young White readers as their new Black friend -- a clever device that might just manage to keep them engaged until the very last page. The racist situations faced by the author and those he interviews are by all accounts traumatic, but the willingness, trust, and hope inherent in these people of color sharing them with a wide audience creates a sense of intimacy between book and reader. It's a rough translation of what it's like to have a meaningful relationship with someone across a line of difference, and wanting to fight for that person because you love them. Though some readers may object to the overall premise of this book, in a world where racial injustice is an ever-present reality, young people in search of a book to get them started on their anti-racism journey will find much to move and inspire them to action here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the author of The Black Friend says he hopes that by showing White people how they’re hurting others, some of them will be willing to change. Do you think some people will be willing to change? Why or why not?
What was it like to read about the experiences the author and his interviewees faced? What feelings did it bring up? How might you respond if you witness a microagression or see something racist happen?
Talk about the character strengths the author showed. Can you talk about a time he showed courage or empathy? What strengths do you need to foster to become a better person?
Book Details
- Author: Frederick Joseph
- Genre: Advice
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Candlewick
- Publication date: December 1, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 8, 2021
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