Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra

Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra. Walker Books, 2023.  9781536231335

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover 

What did you like about the book? A handy guidebook for understanding and fighting racism. Section 1 looks at what racism is:  the theories and the “creation” of what became the different races. This part of the text explores how slavery and the “scramble for Africa”  impacted race theories and the institutionalizing of race in America and globally.  In section 2, readers explore current issues with race and racism, such as institutional vs systemic racism and stereotyping. “Did you know pages” inserted into the book examines the discrimination faced by Muslims. Section 3 really gets into what readers can do to be active in anti-racist work. There are some color pencil style digital drawings that feature a diversity of people not only racially but also people of different physical abilities and religions. 

Anything you didn’t like about it?  Some pages are very text heavy and would have been better off with visuals or more infographics. 

To whom would you recommend this book?  For the reader looking to gain a deeper understanding of not only the theories around race but also how to actively fight against racism and racist systems. It is best suited for students age 11 and older.

Who should buy this book? Middle schools and high schools

Where would you shelve it? 305.8

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Rose Metayer, Boston Latin School, Boston MA

Date of review: November 30, 2023