Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

By: Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

5/5 💕

“Some bodies get put into the ground and daisies bloom. Others encourage the sprouting of weeds that work to strangle whatever’s living and growing around them.” This is just one of the many profound statements found in Stamped, a non-history history book. Jason Reynolds expertly adapts the original Ibram X. Kendi story for younger readers (or those with shorter attention spans).

Jason Reynolds' writing can keep anyone engaged, which is an especially impressive feat given that this book is a lot of non-history history. As someone who despises learning history, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book and raced through it. The writing was easy enough to understand (and I do have some background information to help) and it was honest. As a 24-year-old, I haven't learned half of what's in this book, and I only hope that the curriculum has since changed. I hope that students are learning the truth, but if not, Stamped is the perfect book for them!

I truly wasn't sure how I would feel about this book because I do get bored easily, but this is something else entirely. The fact that it was published over the summer (of 2020) makes it even more relevant. Whenever I think of Civil Rights, I think it's years and years ago, but the truth is, the main rights for POC aren't even a century old! In fact, they're barely even 50 years old! That's younger than my parents, which truly puts the information of this book into perspective. I just can't highlight it enough... it was a fantastic read and well worth the money!