The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph

 I do love having time on holidays to read books.  The Black Friend is a book I heard about on Twitter and preordered it. I love that it arrived last week, just as my holidays were starting.  I've got so many books on my bookshelf (and many more on my Kindle), so it is nice to work my way through some of them.  

The Black Friend is unlike most books I read and review on this blog.  For starters, this book is nonfiction, which I don't review on my blog.  This book is also more of an adult book,  however, I can see students enjoying it as well.  It is very appropriate for all ages.  I am reviewing it here because I know many teachers read my blog, and this is one you should read!  

The Black Friend's tag line is 'On being a better white person'.  Frederick Joseph uses his past experiences to showcase the damage racism has on people.  Throughout his stories, Joseph discusses the impact and how he handled the situation and what he would do differently if confronted with it now.  It is through these open and honest stories that the reader not only gets a glimpse into the harm caused by words and actions, but also provides an education to the historical or cultural significance of the microagressions (and out right racism) that many people of colour are faced with on a daily basis.  

Each of Joseph's chapters covers relevant topics such as why it is important to see a persons colour, cultural appropriation, stereotypes and white privilege.  After Joseph shares his experiences, he then brings in a conversation with another artist or activist to add another level to the discussion.  Throughout the book, Joseph also shares where the reader can learn more about the topic- I've got several new movies and documentaries in my 'must-watch' list.  

At the end of the book, Joseph also includes an Encyclopedia of Racism- as I was reading through it yesterday I found myself sharing definitions and new learning with some of my friends.  I am lending this book to a friend today, and will be passing it along to others as well.  This is a book that I want to talk with people about - I want to be a better white person and not an ally, but an accomplice - you'll have to read the book to discover the difference!

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles

 I'm not sure where I heard about this book, probably on Twitter - it arrived at home a few weeks ago which means I preordered it at some point (I have a small obsession with buying books :) I'm really glad I ordered it though, it was a great read.  

Not So Pure and Simple is a story about Del who is in grade 11 and has had a crush on Keira since they were in Kindergarten.  But Keira has been in a relationship with someone since then and Del has had to just admire her from afar.  But, when Del accompanies his mom to her new church, and sees Keira volunteering for a new program, he jumps at the chance to spend time with her.  Much to Del's surprise, Keira (and now him) have joined the Purity Pledge, vowing to not have sex until marriage.  Del's participation in this program is met with various reactions from his father and his friends.  But all Del wants is to have a chance to be with Keira.  As Del gets to know Keira, he also gets to know others in the group, the difference between what happens at church and what is happening at school, in the classroom and in the halls forces Del to confront preconceived notions he has about relationships, gender stereotypes and religion.  

I thought this book was amazing- it was funny, engaging and had really good messages.  I don't think I would give this to students in grade 7 & 8 though, I am shipping it off to my friend who teaches at the high school.  I would love to sit in on a conversation with students as they discussed some of these topics.