Review: How to be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone

 

How to be a (Young) Antiracist is a really clever book. The authors manage to effectively deal with complex issues surrounding racism in a way that is easy to understand. The novel’s opening quote states “we will win.” It sets the scene of an optimistic and insightful tone that Kendi and Stone deliver their story with. How to be a (Young) Antiracist is laid out in a refreshingly simple format that outlines the different parts of the book. These parts aim to address racism inside (our own perceptions and biases), outside (investigating the intersections of racism and its impact on the world around us) and upside down (antiracism and pathways to changemaking).

The book is unusual because it is often told from a second-person perspective, as Kendi revolves his story around the milestones in his adolescence, and attempts to self-correct his previously misguided perceptions. Whilst it can get confusing at times when the narrative jumps back and forth between different  time periods, Kendi and Stone succeed in delivering an important message in simple terms. 

As Kendi recalls his own mistakes and experiences throughout his journey of antiracism, he evokes relatability and guidance within the minds of young readers who are possibly facing similar challenges. His self-deprecating humour and honest revelations are combined with consistent definitions that help readers to understand everything he is trying to say. Meanwhile, Stone backs up Kendi’s anecdotes with relevant figures and statistics. The result is a comprehensive guide of what it means to be an antiracist and the extremely possible outcomes that hope and activism can achieve.

Danielle Briody, 17