Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy
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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 Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy, by Emmanuel Acho (based on his New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man), is an exploration of race relations in the United States from the perspective of a Black man who attended a predominately White prep school and then lived in predominately Black environments when he played football in college and the NFL. His purpose is to replace "us-versus-them" thinking about racism with a "benefit-of-the-doubt" stance, inviting readers to ask uncomfortable questions and have hard conversations in pursuit of mutual understanding. There are mentions of violent incidents from history, such as the killings of Emmett Till and George Floyd, the Tulsa Massacre, and the Watts Uprising and references to the "N" word. There's very brief discussion of drugs in the context of discussing the justice system.
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What's the Story?
When UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY begins, the author explains his unusual position straddling Black and White cultures. He attended a predominately White prep school and then a more diverse university, and then played in the NFL. From this vantage point, he explains the idea of systematic racism and tries to dispel the confusion people of good faith -- especially White people -- may have about race-related issues, from affirmative action to why White people should not use the "N" word even if Black people do.
Is It Any Good?
A useful addition to a crowded genre, this book brings an original attitude. In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy, Emmanuel Acho, author of the New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, aims to make it easier for White kids to become good allies by understanding the history and lived experiences of their Black friends and peers. The tone is friendly and humorous while taking a firm stand against ways that systemic racism is often trivialized or played down.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Every chapter of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy includes a section called "Let's Get Uncomfortable." Did anything in the book make you uncomfortable? What was it and why?
The author suggests many actions you can take in your own community. Which ones sound like something you might do?
What historical fact in the book surprised you most?
Book Details
- Author: Emmanuel Acho
- Genre: History
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: June 20, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 312
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 2, 2021
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