Book Description
for Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied and Aleesha Nandhra
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
A straightforward, accessible guide explores the history of racism, racism’s effects today, and ways to “stand up and speak out.” Occasionally referencing her own identities and experiences to underscore a point, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Muslim woman of Sudanese heritage, writes candidly and conversationally. The first two sections of the guide lay a strong historical foundation, including the invention of the concept of “race” and the ways in which it has been, and continues to be, used to exert power over others. Abdel-Magied covers key concepts: the differences between race, nationality, and ethnicity; the distinction that racism is prejudice combined with power; and discrimination toward religious groups. Particularly effective is the use of metaphor to illustrate certain concepts. If racism is a tree, for instance, certain branches (e.g., slavery) have been chopped down, but the roots (e.g., white supremacy, racist institutions) stubbornly remain. The final, and longest, section offers practical guidance to fighting internalized, interpersonal, and institutional racism. Bright digital illustrations and vibrantly colored paper add to the appeal of this engaging volume. (Ages 8-12)
CCBC Choices 2024. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2024. Used with permission.