Starred Review This eloquent and inspiring book smoothly integrates several elements. First, it's part memoir, as Bahamian Canadian author Dill shares what it was like growing up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where he was often the only kid of color. He includes numerous observations about past, present, and still-evolving social, political, economic, and educational policies in Canada and the U.S., seen through the lens of racist assumptions and institutionalized practices. There's the horror of ongoing police brutality, and how many people of color, including the author himself, have tried to avoid racial confrontations by laying low, trying to blend in, pretending things are cool when they aren't. These issues provide context, but the real heart of the book is the persistent, heartening exhortations to get educated, discover suppressed truths, learn to love yourself, stand up, wake up, and stay up, no matter your racial or cultural heritage. Numerous historic, literary, philosophical, and spiritual references are sprinkled throughout the pages, but there's no preaching or lecturing. Instead, the relatable content delivered in a conversational style comes across like reassuring encouragement and caring advice. Extensive back matter is promised (but not available for review). Teens will appreciate this straightforward, honest, and respectful offering.

The Little Black Lives Matter (2022) author presents a mix of memoir and manifesto on anti-racism.Dill writes that anti-racism work "at its core…centers compassion." Born to a Black Bahamian mother and white father and raised in Saskatchewan, he experienced the "racial tightrope walking" of holding " ‘honorary' white status" among his white friends but being called "whiteboy" while visiting family in the Bahamas. Now armed with the language he lacked as a young person, he fills this book with terms and concepts that explain the social construction of race and its centuries-old hierarchical system. As an educator, Dill dedicates a chapter to critiques of the educational systems of Canada and the U.S. He offers suggestions for reimagining schools: organizing for better resources, revamping curricula, and offering student-centered learning, among others. He highlights the detrimental effects of racism that manifest in ways such as disparities in mental health treatment. Dill's background as a spoken-word poet and his passion for hip-hop influence the conversational tone; he warmly addresses readers as "family." Starr's eye-catching collages help to showcase the sincere urgency of the text. Ultimately, while it contains much of value, the book struggles with everything it's trying to accomplish. As a result, it feels a bit congested and may prove more helpful to educators than teen readers.A well-intentioned primer on anti-racism, particularly useful for those supporting young activists. (land acknowledgment, author's note, further reading, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 13-adult)