Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
YA Nonfiction
What it’s about: “This is not a history book,” Reynolds begins. He reworks Kendi’s book Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America for a young adult audience, laying out the history of racism in America from its beginnings to the present in a personal, conversational way that is by no means dry or dull (even though it is a history book!). Jason Reynolds also reads the audiobook.
Why you should read it: Jason Reynolds initially balked at rewriting Kendi’s book, but Kendi eventually talked him into it. This book offers a compelling and eye-opening look at how racism has shaped the United States. Dr. Kendi’s original book is a great choice for a deeper delve into the topic for adults, but this “remix” is Reynolds’ take on the subject material to make it livelier and more accessible for a younger audience.