Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Aleesha Nandhra
Published by Walker Books US on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 1536231339
Pages: 128
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Organized into sections “How Did Racism Start?”, “Racism Today”, and “How To Stand Up and Speak Out”, this short, colorful book offers definitions, a brief history, examples, and action items surrounding racism. The content is engaging and the design will appeal to young readers who like bite-size information. Many of the chapter titles are thought-provoking questions that then offer some information but also invite the reader to ponder the topic. The illustrations show diverse children and adults, adding word bubbles and design elements that draw the eye to an important message or fact. Abdel-Magied has an illustrated avatar who is used to talk directly to the audience, which works as her tone is casual and honest, not didactic or condescending.

The book is current, well-written, and engaging, but there is always the question about who will check out a book like this? The appeal feels aimed at adults as much as at kids: classroom teachers might use is to craft lessons, or parents looking for a way to explain the history or modern application of racism would find it most useful. It is possible that students working on a project about racism or through a civil rights club could find some use, but it’s doubtful that it would be picked up as a free-read.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School