Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Caring, funny, compelling call to be anti-racist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Genre : Advice
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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