5 stars
A fantastic non-history history book. Kendi and Reynolds join forces to create an informative, accessible, and empowering version of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America for a younger audience. Kendi with excellent scholarship and research and Reynolds adapting that research into a format that will resonate with young readers.
This version for readers 12 and up provides information and insight without talking down to its reader. I loved how it empowered the reader to stay informed and learn history in order to more adequately fight racism today. This book trusts young people to handle a fuller version of history than the watered down one many of us grew up with and empowers the reader to use that knowledge to demand change.
While much of the book focuses on men’s contributions to both racism and anti-racism in America, it does call out the fact that black women and LGBTQ people were often excluded from the conversation. It shows the contributions of some important figures such as Angela Davis, and makes mention of other influential people such as Audre Lorde, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.
This version also includes more recent events such as the founding of Black Lives Matter, connecting America’s history with more current events that readers are likely familiar with.
A fantastic read that acts as both a starting place for learning about the history of racism in American and a call to action.