Booklist Reviews
*Starred Review* Reynolds continues his prolific streak with an absorbing young reader's adaptation of Kendi's National Book Award–winning title, Stamped from the Beginning (2016). "This is not a history book" declares Reynolds at the outset, an announcement that instantly absorbs readers, displaying the author's singular way of communicating with young people. Reynolds' "remix" begins in 1415 and travels into the present in five well-paced sections, following the general outline of Kendi's comprehensive title. Through figures like Cotton Mather, W. E. B Du Bois, and Angela Davis, among others, the thought patterns of segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists, respectively, are elucidated, along with the impact such ideas have on all aspects of American life. Throughout the book, Reynolds inserts literal pauses ("Record scratch"), and interjects with commentary ("Let that sink in") and clarifications, a way of insisting that the pages are not merely text, but a conversation. Readers will undoubtedly experience a mixture of feelings after finishing this book, but the encouragement to emerge as critical thinkers who can decipher coded language and harmful imagery stemming from racist ideas, which still linger in modern society and popular culture, will be the most empowering result. Thankfully, extensive back matter is included, with source notes and a dynamic further reading list. Required reading for everyone, especially those invested in the future of young people in America.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Reynolds is practically a household name in the kidlit community, and his lively take on Kendi's National Book Award–winning history of racism is sure to garner lots of attention. Grades 7-12. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.
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Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews
Stamped traces the history of racism and the many political, literary, and philosophical narratives that have been used to justify slavery, oppression, and genocide. Framed through the ideologies and thoughts of segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists throughout history, the book demonstrates that the "construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, whether financially or politically," and that this power has been used to systemically and systematically oppress Black people in the United States for more than four hundred years. An adaptation of the award-winning Stamped from the Beginning, this book repeatedly claims that it is not a history text, and it certainly does not feel like one. Instead, it is an accessible and compelling discussion of the history of racism from 1415 to 21st-century America, from Prince Henry's slave trading to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It clearly articulates how racial inequity has been allowed to flourish since the fifteenth century and shows it is still fully entrenched in today's society. This is the goal of the book: to help young readers understand the complex history of racism to better understand its current manifestations. Armed with this knowledge, they can learn to identify racist actions, language, and policies, and look toward an equal, antiracist future. It might require some encouragement, but readers will be hooked by the conversational voice and vivid narrative segments. Without a doubt, this book should be a staple in every classroom and library in America.—Courtney Huse Wika. Table of Contents. Further Reading. Source Notes. Index. 5Q 4P M J S Copyright 2020 Voya Reviews.