FICTION

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

Hachette Audio. May 2021. 222p. adapted by adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul. $21.98. ISBN 9781549108365.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-8–First came Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning, awarded the 2016 National Book Award. Then Reynolds with Kendi presented (and narrated) “ A Remix” with 2020’s Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You for young adults. Middle grade audiences get their own version, distilled by educator/activist Cherry-Paul and read by Pe’Tehn Raighn-Kem Jackson, a tween phenom who began publicly performing poetry at three. Reading since she was 18 months, her fluency is prodigious, her pacing exacting. She’s especially effective in the “Let’s PAUSE/Let’s UNPAUSE” interstitials that offer further explication or background. Cherry-Paul writes to draw readers into conversations, asking questions, inviting—if not out-loud answers—deep thinking and reflecting. Jackson’s exceptional performance enlivens a powerful peer-to-peer exchange.
VERDICT All libraries should provide easy access to every iteration of the “Stamped” series in every medium; stock with The 1619 Project: Born on the Water to encourage and enable every age group in their anti-racist journeys.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?