Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy: Racism, Injustice, and How You Can Be a Changemaker
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy: Racism, Injustice, and How You Can Be a Changemaker
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Square Fish
Annotation: A young reader's edition of Emmanuel Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man , aimed at opening a dialogue and mending the racial divide in America amongst our youngest generation.
Genre: [Social sciences]
 
Reviews: 3
Catalog Number: #361097
Format: Perma-Bound Edition
Publisher: Square Fish
Copyright Date: 2023
Edition Date: 2023 Release Date: 05/23/23
Pages: 325 pages
ISBN: Publisher: 1-250-86610-3 Perma-Bound: 0-8000-3760-X
ISBN 13: Publisher: 978-1-250-86610-3 Perma-Bound: 978-0-8000-3760-4
Dewey: 305.800973
Dimensions: 20 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sat May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Starred Review NFL player Acho took the world by storm with his web series addressing racial inequities by bringing white and Black people together in conversation. This title is born of that web series, offering young readers a play-by-play of America's dark history of racism at its various levels and pushing them to break the long-standing cycle of racialized injustice. Broken into three main parts, the book moves through cultural differences and stereotypes, institutionalized racism, and finally allyship and change. Standout chapters include the myth of the superpredator, the weaponization of whiteness, and the evolution of voter suppression. These subjects can be difficult for even the most well-versed in antiracist work, and, subsequently, each chapter is broken into digestible sections that teach, address discomfort, and offer actionable steps and resources. Acho, a Nigerian American man, very intentionally situates himself as cultural insider and outsider as it relates to both whiteness and Blackness move that works well for young readers who may be skeptical of their narrator's intention and understanding. There is humor, lightness, and relatability in Acho's reliance on pop culture and experience that will make this title a standout for use in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Included are extensive recommendations for further learning and a "Quick Talks" section that offers brief responses to commonly asked questions surrounding Blackness. This book may be marketed to a middle-grade audience, but whether you are 18 or 80, there's something to learn from in this thought-provoking pick.

Kirkus Reviews

A popular YouTube series on race, "Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man," turns how-to manual and history lesson for young readers.Acho is a former NFL player and second-generation Nigerian American who cites his upbringing in predominantly White spaces as well as his tenure on largely Black football teams as qualifications for facilitating the titular conversations about anti-Black racism. The broad range of subjects covered here includes implicit bias, cultural appropriation, and systemic racism. Each chapter features brief overviews of American history, personal anecdotes of Acho's struggles with his own anti-Black biases, and sections titled "Let's Get Uncomfortable." The book's centering of Whiteness and White readers seems to show up, to the detriment of its subject matter, both in Acho's accounts of his upbringing and his thought processes regarding race. The overall tone unfortunately conveys a sense of expecting little from a younger generation who may have a greater awareness than he did at the same age and who, therefore, may already be uncomfortable with racial injustice itself. The attempt at an avuncular tone disappointingly reads as condescending, revealing that, despite his online success with adults, the author is ill-equipped to be writing for middle-grade readers. Chapters dedicated to explaining to White readers why they shouldn't use the N-word and how valuable White allyship is may make readers of color (and many White readers) bristle with indignation and discomfort despite Acho's positive intentions.Ultimately adds little to conversations about race. (glossary, FAQ, recommended reading, references) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

School Library Journal (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 6-10 A young readers adaptation of Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man , this is an examination of systemic racism as experienced by a Nigeran-American young man who was educated in predominately white institutions. The author's upbringing and experiences coupled with his time in the NFL has allowed him to develop relationships with people from all walks of life. These relationships and the murder of George Floyd led Acho to create his YouTube series "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man." This volume gives younger readers an entry point to having conversations of their own about race and racism. Acho explains the ways racism continues to negatively impact Black people today. Readers are introduced to the unjust laws and housing and health care practices that continue to prop up the system of white supremacy. He also provides insight into Black culture for non-Black readers. He explores what being an ally means, protesting safely, and speaking up confidently. Readers of all races can use this resource to begin having crucial conversations about the need to dismantle systemic racism in this country. VERDICT A strong addition for public and school libraries who want to offer safe spaces for these necessary conversations. Pair with Frederick Joseph's The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person .Desiree Thomas, Worthington Lib., OH

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sat May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)
Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)
Bibliography Index/Note: Includes bibliographical references (pages 302-312).
Word Count: 45,520
Reading Level: 8.0
Interest Level: 5-9
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 8.0 / points: 8.0 / quiz: 513640 / grade: Middle Grades+

Want to know exactly why it's not okay for white people to use the N-word? Whether "reverse racism" exists? Why white privilege isn't just for the rich? What it really means to be an ally? In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy, no question is off the table. Approaching every question with openness and patience, Emmanuel connects his own experience with race and racism-from his attendance at majority-white prep schools to his time in the NFL playing on majority-black football teams-with insightful lessons on black culture and the things you should and shouldn't say to black people. Filled with honest answers and actionable advice, this book is a must-read for those in our youngest generation looking to understand and dismantle racism within their own communities.


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