Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Author: Jason Reynolds; Ibram X. Kendi

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Copyright date: 2020

ISBN: 978-0316453691

Reading interest level: Ages 12 - adult (Kirkus)

Genre: Race; Nonfiction

Format: Print Book

Awards or Honors:

• ALA Notable Children's Books - Older Readers Category: 2021
• School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Books: 2020
• Kirkus Prize Finalist: 2020
• Goodreads Choice Award for Nonfiction; 2020

Plot Summary:

Jason Reynolds adapted this from the original Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, to appeal to young adult readers. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You takes the reader on a journey through the history of racism in the history of America, and cites evidence of how it has come to be embedded in the country's systems. Reynolds states that this is not a history book, because it is about today and not the past. However, he explains to the reader, that we must study what happened in the past, so that we can understand the present. The book focuses on three categories of people, segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists. Reynolds examines racism by breaking down these three categories, and takes the reader through a history of race in the United States in chronological order, beginning in 1415, and finally catching up to the present.

Critical Evaluation:

Stamped is written in a conversational narrative. Reynolds is speaking to the reader, and in this case, it is a conversation with teen readers. Reynolds is an accomplished young adult author, so he knows how to write the book in a way that will appeal to teens. The book is separated into chronological sections. The first section is from 1415-1728, the second is 1743-1826, and so on. Each section is separated into short chapters with creative titles, such as "Proof in the Poetry", "Uplift Suasion", and "Home is Where the Hatred is". Constructing the book in this way helped to set a brisk pace, and made the content easier to understand.

I have a B.A in History, so I have done research on many of the figures that Reynolds mentions. However, this book presents a perspective that I had not considered before. Historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, W.E.B, Dubois are examined through the categories of segregationists, assimilationists, and antiracists. This is an important lens to view history through, particularly because it helps to explain the racism inherent in the systems the United States currently operates in. There are also a few paragraphs that talk about the racism in the Rocky movie series, which I found illuminating, because I am a fan of the movies. However, I had to agree with the points that Reynolds made.  

Reynolds is known for his success with young adult graphic novels, such as Long Way Down. There are no pictures in Stamped but there are stylistic elements to the book where one can see the graphic novel influence. There are parts of the book where the size of the text changes, and some lines are reminiscent of a verse novel. These elements help to make points and also improve the legibility of the subject matter for a young adult audience.

Creative Use for a Library Program:

This book will raise a lot of questions. I would invite a qualified speaker to answer student questions. A University professor that teaches a course in antiracism would be ideal. The program could be conducted through Zoom, so the speaker would not need to be local. 

Potential Challenge Issues:

This book is about racism in America, and there will be many contradictory opinions to the facts presented in this book. This is a condensed version of a much larger book so many of the issues are briefly touched upon, and some may feel like it is a cherry-picked version of events that fits the author's narrative. It takes what many have learned in history and examines it through a different angle, and some may be opposed to that angle. Accusing Thomas Jefferson, or the Rocky movies of racism, for example, is not going to be popular. I would defend the book by noting the various awards and positive acclaim it has received. The book did win the Goodreads Choice Award for Nonfiction in 2020.

Author Descriptions:

Jason Reynolds has written several popular novels for young adults and middle grade audiences. His book Ghost (2016), and Look Both Ways (2019), were National Book Award Finalists. Look Both Ways, along with Long Way Down (2017), All American Boys (2015) were all Corretta Scott King Author honor books. The Long Way Down was also a Printz award honor book, as well as a Newberry Honor book, and the best young adult work by the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Awards (Reynolds, n.d.). Reynolds is currently the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature for 2020-2021.

"Dr. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities and Founding Director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. He is also the 2020-2021 Frances B. Cashin Fellow at the Radcliffe Insitute for the Advanced Study at Harvard University" (Kendi, n.d.). Kendi's book, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2016. His other book, How to Be an Antiracist (2019), was also a New York Times bestseller. His books have been adapted for readers of all ages. Stamped for Kids (2021), is aimed at middle school audiences, and there is even a board book and picture book titled Antiracist Baby (2020). 

Speed-Round Table Talk:

Stamped is not meant to be a history book, it is a book that will teach you about the institutional racism present in America today. Kendi and Reynolds believe that to progress towards ending that inherit racism, we must understand it's origins and development over time. In order to deconstruct something, it is important to know how it was constructed. From historical figures such as Abe Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, to pop culture such as The Planet of the Apes, and Tarzan, you will learn how it is all connected to racism in America. 

Reason for Inclusion:

This book has received a lot of critical acclaim. It has an overall score of 4.48 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, and 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon. It is a bestselling book, and has been nominated for numerous awards.