Anti-Racist Reading Recommendation​

If you are looking for an excellent resource geared toward children that can foster conversations about how to understand racism as well as how to dismantle it in ourselves and our communities and institutions, I highly recommend This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell.

For students younger than 11 or 12, you will want to read it with them to help them understand some of the more complex ideas presented. Students 13 and up can likely read it themselves, but working through it with them will create an excellent opportunity to discuss the ideas presented and do your own critical reflection.

One caveat: this book may be challenging for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and it is not yet available on audiobook, so I'd also recommend that parents read the book with those students.

Jewell's book is broken down into sections: Understanding and Growing Into My Identities, Making Sense of the World, Taking Action and Responding to Racism, and Working in Solidarity Against Racism.

In each section, there is a mixture of history, information, and opportunities for self-reflection. There are multiple journal prompts that create time for students to think about what they read and connect it to their own lives. There is also a robust glossary in the back that defines terms students may be unfamiliar with.

The link above will allow you to order it from your favorite local independent book store. Or, use this link to order it from a Black-owned independent book store. 

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