Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a well-executed teen adaptation of important material. Kendi and Stone have done the work to make complex ideas about racism accessible without dumbing them down. The School Library Journal review calling it 'heartbreaking, soaring, fulfilling' captures it well—this isn't easy reading, but it's worthwhile.

The enrichment factor is extremely high. If you want your teen to develop critical thinking skills about social issues and understand systemic racism beyond surface-level explanations, this delivers. The 4.6 Amazon rating and strong professional reviews back that up.

That said, this is an educational text, not entertainment. Some teens will be genuinely engaged, others will find it feels like homework. It's also worth noting that antiracism as a framework has its critics, so depending on your family's perspective, you may want to read it yourself first or plan to discuss it together.

Bottom line: A solid, enriching resource for teens ready to think deeply about race and justice in America.

Age Fit

Aimed squarely at readers 12 and up, this works best for middle and high schoolers who are ready to engage with complex social issues. The concepts require some maturity and abstract thinking, so younger middle schoolers might struggle while older teens will get the most from it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Co-authored by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone, this adaptation models thoughtful self-reflection and empathy around race and justice. The tone is age-appropriate for teens 12+, encouraging critical thinking without being preachy. It uses personal anecdotes and data that speak directly to young adult experiences, creating an emotionally healthy framework for discussing difficult topics.

Imaginative

68

While not imaginative in a creative fiction sense, the book invites teens to reimagine society and their role in it. It challenges readers to think critically about systemic issues and envision more equitable futures. The framework encourages intellectual exploration and self-examination, though it's fundamentally an educational/activist text rather than one that sparks artistic or fantastical creativity.

Safe

88

Books are generally safe, and this one has no graphic content, violence, or mature themes that would be shocking for its target age (12+). The subject matter—racism and injustice—is serious and may be emotionally challenging, but it's presented in an age-appropriate educational framework. The School Library Journal calls it 'heartbreaking' but 'soaring' and 'fulfilling,' suggesting difficult but safe content for teens.

Enriching

92

This is peak enrichment for teens. It directly addresses critical thinking about race, justice, and systemic issues with data and personal stories. The School Library Journal review suggests it should be 'canon in high school classrooms.' It builds empathy, ethical reasoning, and civic engagement skills. The 4.6 Amazon rating and positive professional reviews indicate it delivers meaningful takeaways that help teens understand complex social issues.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Written specifically for teens with age-appropriate anecdotes and data that speak to their actual experiences
Co-authored by award-winning YA author Nic Stone, who knows how to talk to this age group
School Library Journal says it should be 'canon in high school classrooms'—that's high praise
Provides a practical framework for understanding systemic racism rather than just making teens feel bad
Empowers readers to think critically and take action rather than just absorbing information passively

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What to Watch For

This is serious, emotionally weighty material about racism and injustice—expect some heavy conversations
Some families may have different perspectives on antiracism as a framework or Kendi's approach specifically
The content is educational rather than entertaining—this isn't a page-turner novel, it's a thoughtful guide
Works best when read with space for reflection and discussion rather than rushed through

Conversation Starters

"What's one thing from the book that made you see something differently about how racism works?"
"Have you noticed any of the patterns Kendi talks about in your own school or community?"
"What's the difference between 'not being racist' and being 'antiracist' according to the book? Do you think that distinction matters?"
"Was there anything in the book that surprised you or that you disagreed with?"
"What's one concrete thing you think you could do based on what you learned?"

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How to Be a Young Antiracist