Wade Hudson

This book is extraordinary, and by some coincidence, I had brought it home from my library to read the same week that my 17 year-old daughter, exhilarated by opening night of the musical she is stage managing, fighting a cold, and exhausted from school and the show engaged me in a passionate conversation that ended up with her in tears and hysterically enraged at the state of the country and the planet and "if ONE MORE adult says 'these are problems for your generation to solve...'". You show more know, as the exhausted, stressed out, politically aware, knowledgable but somewhat know-it-all teenager will. Then I picked up this book. The book was inspired by the editors' great niece who was distraught after the 2016 election as she "had heard the cruel and hateful words that had been spewed at women, those with disabilities, people of different faiths, and people of color." The book is an attempt to reassure and comfort the young people of today - particularly those of color - to not be afraid or despondent, but to raise their voices and make a difference. It is a collection of open letters, poems, stories, illustrations, photos, and essays by more than 40 contributors including Sharon Draper, Kwame Alexander, Rita Williams-Garcia, Hena Khan, Jacqueline Woodson, and many more. It puts into perspective the struggle of this generation of young people with those who came before and paved the way. It is calming, soul-stirring, uplifting, and inspiring. I never give stars, but this one earns 5 from me, and I will be purchasing as gifts for just about every young person I know. show less

Each brief piece in this concise collection packs a punch. Many are in the form of letters or poems to the creators' children, or conversations (real or imagined) with them. Authors/artists are African-American, immigrants, bilingual, Jewish, Cherokee, and more; "The Talk" varies depending on the background and identity, and this variety and complexity is what makes this such a valuable collection. Everyone in the U.S. must confront the role of racism and prejudice in our lives and the lives show more of others.

Quotes

Measures of success in the mainstream culture of the U.S. do not mirror ours....Achievements in school or at work are never more important than caring about other living creatures. ("The Way of the Anigiduwagi," Traci Sorrell, 29-30)

At different times throughout history, selfish men have created unjust, racist laws and have spread racist attitudes as a way to divide the people they take advantage of. ("Why Are There Racist People?" Duncan Tonatiuh, 42)

Racism is wrong. It is important to condemn it, but it is also important to think critically and ask where racism comes from....Recognizing our similarities is a powerful way to combat prejudice. (46-47)

I do not want to raise you to be afraid.
But I do want you to be aware.
I want to help you grow.
I want to help you move through the world outside. ("My Olmec," Selina Alko, 60)

Our words are beautiful. Our words belong here. They give you more ways to understand the people around you....Remember that no language is better than another. No tongue makes one person more real or more important that someone else. And no great country ever tried to silence its people or make them all the same. ("Hablar," Meg Medina, 91)

"Being a polluter is a lot like being a racist. I hate pollution. And I hate racism. But I sit here and I benefit from them both." ("Our Inheritance," Adam Gidwitz, 101)

"Some folk will always
call you outside your name,"
she explained.
"Honey,
you can't stop hateful people
slinging hurtful words
like stones.
But who says
you have to pick them up
and put them in your pocket?"
("Tough Tuesday," Nikki Grimes, 106)

And while I want you to be aware of potential danger, you have also been born with tremendous privileges, things that could make you unaware of other people's struggles. We all have important issues that we are initially unaware of, but it is our responsibility to learn. Obliviousness is not an excuse. ("The Road Ahead," Minh Lê, 111)

Stories have such long ghosts. ("Mazes," Christopher Myers, 120) show less

"An anthology of poetry, essays, short stories and art designed to lift children up, especially children from traditionally marginalized communities, during difficult times.

This collection encourages America’s children to remember their history, learn from it, and choose to be kind in the face of hatred, racism, and oppression. “Throughout history, kids like you / were right there. / With picket signs and petitions….They changed this world for the better. / And you will too,” Kelly show more Starling Lyons tells readers in her poem “Drumbeat for Change.” Featuring contributions from such writers as Jacqueline Woodson, Ellen Oh, and Hena Khan, and an equally august lineup of illustrators, including Rafael López, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, and Javaka Steptoe, every work packs an emotional punch. In his poem “A Thousand Winters,” Kwame Alexander wonders “if words, sentences, and books aren’t enough, anymore” as he reflects on the state of the world and hard conversations with his daughter. A stunning collage by Ekua Holmes accompanies Alexander’s poem; in it, a vivid, violet sky surrounds a sleepy black girl sitting atop her father’s shoulders. Every work in this beautiful collection feels personal and is meant to inspire and comfort.

A love song from children’s literature’s brightest stars to America’s Indigenous children and children of color, encouraging them to be brave and kind. (contributor biographies, index) (Anthology. 8-18)" A Kirkus Starred Review, www.kirkusreviews.com show less

Through an illustrated collection of letters, poems, short stories, and essays, thirty diverse authors and illustrators address young people in discussions on racism, identity, and self-esteem in The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth, edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson.

Let me point out first that the diverse people speaking through this book aren't only Black people. In this collection are the voices of a variety of people of color as well as white, Jewish show more authors.

While I found the book labeled as a young adult book, I'd say it's more of a family book—something suitable for young people around the ages of 10 to 16 to read and/or discuss with trusted adults in their lives. Not every point in the book matches my personal view, but that's all right, since this isn't a book of advice simply for swallowing. The authors' words are meant to help people engage in critical thinking...

...to realize that racism isn't only a matter of feeling hatred for folks and that it isn't only the problem of people of color. To realize the connections between racism and greed. To realize racism is also the problem of people who benefit from it, even if they've done so unwittingly.

To realize there are ways forward.

And for young people of color in particular, there's encouragement here about choosing their battles. About finding productive ways to deal with their pain and anger. About knowing who they are despite how other ill-meaning or well-meaning people may wrongly identify them.

It's a book for people willing to heed the call not to be indifferent or merely regretful about racism but to be anti-racist and advocates for needful change. show less