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A review by annebennett1957
How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, Nic Stone
3.0
"Here's to being a antiracist." Every book I read on the subject helps me move in the right direction.
When I read an adult book which has been adapted for young adults I always try to imagine what students would read this book and how much effort it would take to keep them moving through the book. Unfortunately I had a hard time imagining any of my past students wanting to read this book, even if they had a lot invested in making sure there are more antiracists in our country. I wish what I was saying wasn't true, but that is how I felt reading it myself.
The book tells Kendi's story through Stone's mouth, but she is not exactly a interviewer. It is confusing. Then to make points Kendi's story doesn't unfold in a chronological way. Okay. As an adult I can cope with jumping around narratives, but a lot of younger readers have a hard enough time holding together facts if they are presented in a very linear fashion let alone bouncing around.
Lastly the emphasis on vocabulary is essential but it is also confusing. I'm pretty sure I'd have to reread the book and take notes this time to make sure I understand the differences between some of the terms. Terminology is important but couldn't it be shortened or consolidated to make a few terms more memorable?
I hope a lot of people are convicted about where they live inside of a racist community/country and takes steps to move things in a more equitable fashion. Every book, TED talk, news program that helps move the dial in the right direction is worth the effort. Thanks.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/06/three-book-reviews-rome-antiracism.html
When I read an adult book which has been adapted for young adults I always try to imagine what students would read this book and how much effort it would take to keep them moving through the book. Unfortunately I had a hard time imagining any of my past students wanting to read this book, even if they had a lot invested in making sure there are more antiracists in our country. I wish what I was saying wasn't true, but that is how I felt reading it myself.
The book tells Kendi's story through Stone's mouth, but she is not exactly a interviewer. It is confusing. Then to make points Kendi's story doesn't unfold in a chronological way. Okay. As an adult I can cope with jumping around narratives, but a lot of younger readers have a hard enough time holding together facts if they are presented in a very linear fashion let alone bouncing around.
Lastly the emphasis on vocabulary is essential but it is also confusing. I'm pretty sure I'd have to reread the book and take notes this time to make sure I understand the differences between some of the terms. Terminology is important but couldn't it be shortened or consolidated to make a few terms more memorable?
I hope a lot of people are convicted about where they live inside of a racist community/country and takes steps to move things in a more equitable fashion. Every book, TED talk, news program that helps move the dial in the right direction is worth the effort. Thanks.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/06/three-book-reviews-rome-antiracism.html