THIS BOOK IS ANTI-RACIST

By Tiffany Jewell

Illustrated by Aurelia Durand

2020 - 59 pages including notes, glossary, recommendations 

This book is like a workbook. You start at the beginning, complete the activities, then move to the next section. The author recommends the reader work collaboratively with the children and youth while going through this book, if this is being used in a classroom or with family. 

This book is written for children, youth and young adults but an adult would find it interesting and, in my opinion, meaningful.

I have not truly explored the global connection of topics like residential schools. I have read about residential schools in the United States but I tend to focus on Canada. I like that the author has brought the global connection into this book. It reminded me of when our daughter was living in Australia. She befriended a young Maori man who invited her to meet his family who live in New Zealand, where he grew up. It never occurred to me that his family had a history similar to that of friends of mine who are Indigenous. 

I didn’t care for the use of ‘folx’ instead of folks. It distracted me.

The illustrations are bright and beautiful.

The format is simple.

What I usually do when I discover a new author is to look for a YouTube video of an interview done with the author. I like to hear a person speak aloud so that when I read their written words, I get a sense of voice.

You can find an interview with Tiffany Jewell here:

Talking Anti-Racism: Teaching Tolerance Interviews Tiffany Jewell. 

I recommend this book. You will need a notebook to write in as you move through the sections. 

Darlene Goodwin, on behalf of High River United Church

September 2022