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Screenwise Verdict
This is the real deal—an interactive, beautifully illustrated guide that doesn't sugarcoat racism's history but also doesn't leave kids drowning in despair. Tiffany Jewell gives young people the vocabulary and courage to actually do something when they witness injustice, which is rare and valuable.
It's not light. You're getting slavery, internment camps, colonization—the works. But it's presented with context, paired with stories of resistance and joy, and designed to build solidarity rather than guilt. The 20 activities turn abstract concepts into personal reflection, which is where the magic happens.
This isn't a book you hand to a kid and walk away. It works best with some parental co-reading or at least check-ins, especially for younger readers. But for families committed to raising anti-racist kids who can actually interrupt harm when they see it? This is a must-have. School Library Journal nailed it: this fills the gap between 'everyone is special' platitudes and college-level critical race theory.
Age Fit
Best for ages 10-16, though mature 8-9 year olds with parental support can engage with it. The workbook format and heavy historical content require emotional readiness and critical thinking skills. Teens will appreciate the direct, empowering tone and practical tools.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82
Uses inclusive, gender-neutral language and models empathy, solidarity, and courage. Balances difficult historical truths with stories of strength, love, and joy. The tone is empowering rather than guilt-inducing, inviting young readers to understand their identity and take meaningful action. Doesn't shy away from hard topics but presents them in age-appropriate ways.
Imaginative
71
The 20 interactive activities spark introspection and self-discovery, inviting readers to examine their own social identities and think creatively about disrupting racism. Aurélia Durand's kaleidoscopic illustrations add visual vibrancy. However, this is primarily an educational workbook rather than a narrative that fuels open-ended imagination or storytelling.
Safe
75
Covers difficult historical topics including slavery, internment camps, boarding schools for indigenous children, and deportation—content that may be emotionally heavy for younger or more sensitive readers. However, these are presented educationally rather than graphically, with context and purpose. The book equips readers with language to interrupt racism, which is protective. Not unsafe, but requires readiness for mature social justice topics.
Enriching
91
Exceptionally enriching. Builds critical thinking about social identity, race, ethnicity, and systemic oppression. Teaches concrete language and strategies to interrupt microaggressions and racial slurs. Introduces historical figures like Toussaint Louverture and Yuri Kochiyama. School Library Journal calls it a 'much-needed gap' between vague empathy messages and advanced YA theory. The workbook format with 20 activities makes learning actionable and personal.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Fills the gap between vague 'be kind' messages and dense academic theory—gives kids concrete language and tools to interrupt racism in real time
20 hands-on activities make learning personal and actionable, not just abstract concepts
Uses gender-neutral language throughout and centers stories of resistance, joy, and revolution alongside the hard history
Recommended by Oprah, became a #1 NYT bestseller, and praised by educators for making complex topics accessible
Kaleidoscopic illustrations by Aurélia Durand make the book visually engaging and celebratory
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What to Watch For
Covers slavery, internment camps, colonization, and deportation—emotionally heavy material that requires readiness and possibly parental co-reading
This is a workbook that demands engagement; kids need to be willing to reflect, write, and do the activities to get value
Best for families already committed to anti-racist work—not a starting point if you're avoiding 'divisive' topics
Some reviewers note it's more effective with parental facilitation, especially for younger readers on the age spectrum
Conversation Starters
"What are some parts of your identity that feel really important to you? How do those parts shape how you move through the world?"
"Have you ever heard someone say something racist or seen a microaggression? What did you do, and what would you want to do next time?"
"The book talks about people like Toussaint Louverture and Yuri Kochiyama who fought for justice. Who are some people you admire who've stood up for what's right?"
"What's one thing you learned about the history of racism that surprised you or that you didn't know before?"
"How can we use our voices in our own community—at school, in our neighborhood—to work toward equity?"
