Tiffany Jewell

If you're looking for a book that not only informs but brings to light some very important topics, Tiffany Jewell's book is where it's at.

This book goes over racism, personal growth, identity, and general lessons on how to be a good person. It's the kind of positive book I needed when I was younger and I'm sure people today need to read. We're all different and differences can make us stronger. Why destroy others for their differences?

I could easily see classrooms and educational groups picking this book up. It makes learning about the topics of gender and racial differences very simple and makes understanding so easy.

My only negative about this book is the illustrations are kind of weird. Some of them sat strangely with me and I felt they creeped me out more than fit with the story. The colour is bright and amazing though. Otherwise, this book is a gem!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.… (more)

Jewell builds upon the foundation of her bestselling This Book Is Anti-Racist (2020) with a primer on anti-racism, intersectionality, and ways of effecting change.

Defining anti-racism 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)

-Kirkus Review… (more)