Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

In this important and compelling young readers adaptation of his National Book Award-winning title, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, writing with award-winning author Jason Reynolds, chronicles the story of anti-black, racist ideas over the course of American history.

Racist ideas in our country did not arise from ignorance or hatred. Instead, they were developed by some of the most brilliant minds in history to justify and rationalise the nation's deeply entrenched discriminatory policies. But while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited. In shedding light on the history of racist ideas in America, this adaptation offers young readers the tools they need to combat these ideas - and, in the process, gives society a reason to hope.

Through a gripping and fast-paced narrative that speaks to young readers on their level, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas - and on ways anti-racists can be empowered to combat racism in their daily lives.

Reviewed by Nicole Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

Share
Initial thoughts:

An important read that opened my eyes to things I wasn’t aware of in our history & present. Very grateful to have this book published. I listened via an audiobook from the library, but will also be purchasing a copy when they come back in stock. I’ve already purchased a back-ordered copy of Dr. Kendi’s original work for adults, but having read this first I think will help me tremendously because I sometimes lose focus with non-fiction books.

Definitely recommend this as a must read for all ages, but especially for younger readers (middle grade through high school). The tone and writing techniques that Reynolds uses will definitely appeal to that audience (although it seemed to appeal just as much to me as well). This book does a great job giving a concise history of racism in America that touches on a lot of the key events, movements, policies, ideas and people (& all in a little over 4hrs of narration). It also opens to door for more exploration and study after the book has ended. Also, that afterward / ending was just

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 June, 2020: Finished reading
  • 9 June, 2020: Reviewed