★ 04/01/2022

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.

How better to communicate this vital history of racism in America to its young audience than to have the audiobook narrated by a peer? Nine-year-old Pe’Tehn Raighn-Kem Jackson hits it out of the park with her lively and engaging reading. Her voice and delivery are unmistakably those of a kid—and she's an inspired casting choice. Short chapters, ideal for listening to one at a time followed by time for discussion and reflection, connect the history of racist ideas with what is still happening in America today. The audiobook’s timeline continues through 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recent police violence against Black people. Jackson’s relatable performance increases the accessibility of this important, sobering, and inspiring work for young listeners. J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

How better to communicate this vital history of racism in America to its young audience than to have the audiobook narrated by a peer? Nine-year-old Pe’Tehn Raighn-Kem Jackson hits it out of the park with her lively and engaging reading. Her voice and delivery are unmistakably those of a kid—and she's an inspired casting choice. Short chapters, ideal for listening to one at a time followed by time for discussion and reflection, connect the history of racist ideas with what is still happening in America today. The audiobook’s timeline continues through 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and recent police violence against Black people. Jackson’s relatable performance increases the accessibility of this important, sobering, and inspiring work for young listeners. J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2022 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine