Published by Crown Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Seventeen authors and illustrators have contributed a story, poem, letter, or essay with the theme of “The Talk”: what they’ve said to their children or what their parents said to them about race.  They are black, indigenous, immigrants or the children of immigrants, Puerto Rican, and white.  They’ve experienced racism, prejudice, or privilege, depending on their background.  They communicate to their children pride, humility, and/or the rules for navigating a world that doesn’t always accept them for who they are.  Includes thumbnail portraits and information about all the writers.  160 pages; grades 5-8.

Pros:  I found this collection very moving, and gratifying that there are so many talented people of color and different backgrounds writing with such honesty for kids and young adults today.  A book like this would never have existed in my own white suburban childhood, and I didn’t have a clue as to what was going on with people who lived just a few miles from me.  I personally found Adam Gidwitz’s talk with his daughter about white privilege particularly eye-opening.  Any of these talks could serve as a stand-alone work, and would serve as an excellent catalyst for discussion in a middle school classroom.

Cons:  The experiences of these talented and creative people in America is infuriating.

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