The Antiracist Kid

Starred review from October 17, 2022
Jewell (This Book Is Anti-Racist) combines direct and powerful text with eye-catching illustrations by Miles (I Want My Book Back) in this empowering guide to combatting racist ideology. Assuring readers that “even the smallest action can have a big effect for positive change,” the creators define the key titular concepts by breaking them up into three chapters. In “Identity,” Jewell impresses that words and labels, while necessary for personal self-expression, are also often used to establish a power imbalance in which “people who are in the dominant culture” hold significant sway while those outside it do not. Using text that flows at an engaging clip between simple and complex topics, subsequent chapters on justice and activism smartly outline subjects such as colonization, equity, institutional racism, and privilege. Miles’s digital art elevates the issues addressed, portraying an array of intersectionally diverse children in precise lines and poppy color while highlighting core narrative values via striking panels (gender, citizen, and class identity are called out in an angular yellow rectangle). This vital tome approachably examines anti-racism and activism while leaving ample space for questions and critical thinking, encouraging readers to become active participants in social change. Ages 8–12.

Starred review from August 1, 2022
Jewell builds upon the foundation of her bestselling This Book Is Anti-Racist (2020) with a primer on antiracism, intersectionality, and ways of effecting change. Defining antiracism as "the act of making a choice to be active and resist racism," the author discusses racial identity, power, and activism, covering important vocabulary and concepts along the way. She incorporates age-appropriate language in rendering complex topics--such as privilege, intersectionality, and colonization--with clarity and precision, aided by buoyant graphics depicting a diverse group of children. "Putting It All Together" summaries at the end of each chapter reinforce key takeaways. The lessons highlight youth agency, awareness, and autonomy. Jewell makes it clear that she believes in readers: "You are a really good problem solver, and you can help us adults find ways to make the world a much better place to live in for everyone." Her book offers a way for young people to learn about themselves and their communities, make careful distinctions between how they define themselves and how society may see them, and become champions for change as they combat prejudice and discrimination. Most importantly, she shows young people that this work is not meant to be done alone and encourages them to join a community of others working toward a more free and just world. Adults might just learn something, too--there are gems for everyone. An instructive textbook for our time, illuminating the questions and community actions youth need to transform the world. (glossary, recommended reading) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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