Stamped #StampedBook

Spread the love

A book review of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

A book review of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Stars: *****

Little Brown Books for Young Readers (2020)
Civil and Human Rights (Young Adult)
320 pages

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: This is NOT a history book.
This is a book about the here and now.
A book to help us better understand why we are where we are.
A book about race.

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

Stamped

I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about Black history and racism until I read this book. I feel bad for not taking the time to learn this. It’s an important part of our world/community/life. This book was an immense help in that regard.

The book is designed for young readers ages 12+ but is a good introduction for adults too. Once you know the basics, you can go on to read Ibram X. Kendi’s full book Stamped from the Beginning to learn more.

The book continually states it is not a history book. I think what the author means is it is not a boring historical textbook. It does however give names and dates and important events. But these are explained in an interesting way.

My 13 year old daughter read this book in class as required reading. Her whole class enjoyed it because it wasn’t as boring as a history textbook. The author’s voice made the book engaging and interesting to read. They liked that they learned stuff they wouldn’t normally learn because the author wasn’t afraid to cover sensitive subjects. Even though it was a hard topic (racism) it was well written and made for good talking points for the class to discuss.

The book is definitely worth a read for anyone aged 12 and up.

Buy Stamped from Amazon.com and help support the blog.

Find Stamped at GoodReads.

About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.