What Is White Privilege?

April 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-This series explores the deeper concepts of race and racial justice, such as white privilege, antiracism, policing, legal rights, and being an ally. Social justice movements are detailed and suggested personal actions help readers put antiracist ideas into motion within their world. To help readers think more deeply about what they are learning, active lessons are provided. Colorful photos and side notes enrich the text and a table of contents, glossary, index, and further readings increase usability. Each of these well-written, thought-provoking books provides a necessary understanding of our racial past, how to think about the important issues of today, and where to go in the future. These books are essential reading about systematic and intrinsic racism delivered in a powerful way. VERDICT A great choice for supporting current conversations and lessons about racial justice in the United States. Highly recommended.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2021
Grades 5-8 This installment in the Racial Justice in America series (6 titles) offers accessible details on what white privilege is ("White people have more access to power and resources") and isn't ("White privilege does not mean that White people have never worked hard"), its consequences, how to avoid it, and how to take antiracist action. Plentiful examples and the metaphor of a race with unfair obstacles helpfully illustrate the concept. There are a few drawbacks: though BIPOC are mentioned, the examples involve only Black and white people; by and large, the text assumes that readers are white, even as the authors acknowledge that white people see themselves in books more often than others; and the capitalization of white might grate on some. Still, this topic is rarely covered for this audience, and there's enough good here to recommend it, especially when adults can offer additional guidance.

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