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Bibliographic Information:

Title: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

Author: Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds

CD ISBN: 9781549184482

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: Nonfiction, American history, Racism

Format: Audiobook

Awards or Honors: Earphones Award winner (audiobook), ALA Odyssey Honor Audiobook, Kirkus Prize finalist (print book), Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards finalist (print book)

Reading Level: 12+

Plot Summary: This book, which the authors are quick to point out is not meant as an actual history book, but rather a book that uses history to make its point, is an important introduction to the concept of antiracism. (As in, we all view the world through a lens shaped by race; rather than trying to not “be racist,” we should strive to be antiracist and work to make sure the consequence of that lens does not make people’s lives worse because of the color of their skin.) Starting with early examples of racism—as far back as 15th century Portugal—and working their way through slave trading and plantations, the Civil War, Reconstruction, through the Civil Rights movement and all the way up to the present day, Kendi and Reynolds make a powerful case that race inflects every minute of our history. But that doesn’t mean we can’t aim for better. 

Author Backgrounds: Ibram X. Kendi wrote the bestselling, adult version of this book. (There is also one for kids.) After studying for a career in sports journalism as a young man, he realized that he was more interested in the subject of racial justice and completed a second major in African American Studies. He received his doctorate in the same discipline in 2010, and taught at several universities before becoming the Andrew W. Mellon professor at Boston University and a Guggenheim Fellow in 2019.

Jason Reynolds is a national treasure (no reference for this, just my personal opinion, though I’m sure I am not alone!). He grew up listening to rap and reading poetry; he didn’t read a novel cover to cover until he was 17 (Reynolds, n.d.). He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in creative writing and published several books of poetry before finishing his first novel in 2014. He has since continued to write books that stand up to his pledge to “not write boring books” (Reynolds, n.d.), books for kids who don’t think they like reading, books that leap off the page. He is a master of the spoken word and has recorded several of his books as audiobooks as well as performing live and on video. He has won too many awards to count and is the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. 

Critical Evaluation for Books: Jason Reynolds has worked his magic again. (I am a HUGE Reynolds fan in case you haven’t noticed.) I haven’t read the original book for adults, but this one is accessible, interesting, funny, heartbreaking, and never, ever boring. His narration brings the book to life. While it’s not footnoted, there is suggested reading (and listening) at the end for teens who want to engage further with the material. Given the pushback against this book from the haters (and book banners), arming them with further research is essential. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: This book works well for a book club discussion. (Hachette has a set of discussion questions that can be used.) Readers will probably have a lot of questions and feelings about this book and giving them a space to talk about it with other kids (and supportive adults) will be very powerful. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Are you a segregationist, an assimilationist, or an antiracist? If you don’t know the difference, it’s time to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. This book is grounded in history and bursting with ideas. 

Potential Challenge Issues: Well, this was a Top 10 most challenged book of 2020, so it pays to be prepared. (Although I noticed it didn’t make the list in 2021, so seems like the book challengers follow the whims of the moment, which is promising in terms of their lasting power.) This books has received glowing reviews and numerous awards, so while it may be challenged, it clearly has critical merit. I would point out that no book is meant to be definitive, but this is an important part of the conversation about race and that it is crucial teens engage in critical thinking. 

Reason for Inclusion: This book is controversial, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. There may be quibbles to be made about some of the assertions in the book, but the authors are looking to educate, not impose ideology (unlike their critics). This is well worth having on any shelf. 

Want more? Jason Reynolds performs “For Every One”: 

Or watch this conversation between Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds:

References

ALA.org (2021). Top ten most challenged books lists. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

Kendi, I. X. (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from https://www.ibramxkendi.com/bio

Hachette. (n.d.) Stamped book club guide. Retrieved from https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/StampedBookClubGuide.pdf

Kirkus (December 1, 2019). Stamped [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jason-reynolds/stamped/

Reynolds, J. (n.d.) About. Retrieved from https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/about

Saunders, B. (n.d.) Stamped: Racism, antiracism, and you [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/stamped-racism-antiracism-and-you