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copascribe's review against another edition
Since this is a memoir, I won't rate it, as it never feels right rating someone's life experience.
So, the good....the last few pages have a very strong and positive message. This is a middle grade book, and those are the pages I want to read to my young teens.
But the majority of the pages are filled with...contradictions. I'm not sure how the majority of the book reconciles with what the author is trying to say in those last few pages. There was no bridge between the "struggles" and the happy and positive conclusion.
From an adult perspective, we see one person's story on what it was like being Black and going to a private school with predominantly White people. As a Latina, I could relate to some of the experiences, though my skin color never dictated my entire identity, so my point of view regarding these similar experiences differed greatly from the author's (which is okay, good even).
Basically, for an adult reader, the book is fine.
But this book is for 8-12 year olds, and that's the issue I had. Lines like, "I was failing at being Black" and, "She couldn't cure me" (regarding a friend...and curing her from being her authentic self) are harmful to young girls, especially vulnerable at that age. On top of that, there are so many assumptions made about White people in this book...AND Black people. In one story, the author talks about how insensitive teachers are when making a comparison to something like camping. Because it excludes Black people. Because...Black people dont go camping? I have Black cousins who go camping every year. What kind of blanket statement is that? And then the author further makes the assumption that the Black kids nodding at the comparison clearly have no idea...because there's no way they've ever been camping or can connect a couple dots to understand the comparison? I don't get it. These are college kids at a private university.
I seriously took down seven pages of notes, but I'll stop here. I'd recommend this book to adults who are interested in reading about other people's journeys, with the understanding that this reads more like commentary on an ideology than about actual racial disparities. Good conversation starter, but wouldn't recommend for kids. Unless you want to make them feel more insecure about who they are or make them think who they are is entirely dictated by the color of their skin.
So, the good....the last few pages have a very strong and positive message. This is a middle grade book, and those are the pages I want to read to my young teens.
But the majority of the pages are filled with...contradictions. I'm not sure how the majority of the book reconciles with what the author is trying to say in those last few pages. There was no bridge between the "struggles" and the happy and positive conclusion.
From an adult perspective, we see one person's story on what it was like being Black and going to a private school with predominantly White people. As a Latina, I could relate to some of the experiences, though my skin color never dictated my entire identity, so my point of view regarding these similar experiences differed greatly from the author's (which is okay, good even).
Basically, for an adult reader, the book is fine.
But this book is for 8-12 year olds, and that's the issue I had. Lines like, "I was failing at being Black" and, "She couldn't cure me" (regarding a friend...and curing her from being her authentic self) are harmful to young girls, especially vulnerable at that age. On top of that, there are so many assumptions made about White people in this book...AND Black people. In one story, the author talks about how insensitive teachers are when making a comparison to something like camping. Because it excludes Black people. Because...Black people dont go camping? I have Black cousins who go camping every year. What kind of blanket statement is that? And then the author further makes the assumption that the Black kids nodding at the comparison clearly have no idea...because there's no way they've ever been camping or can connect a couple dots to understand the comparison? I don't get it. These are college kids at a private university.
I seriously took down seven pages of notes, but I'll stop here. I'd recommend this book to adults who are interested in reading about other people's journeys, with the understanding that this reads more like commentary on an ideology than about actual racial disparities. Good conversation starter, but wouldn't recommend for kids. Unless you want to make them feel more insecure about who they are or make them think who they are is entirely dictated by the color of their skin.
kvreadsandrecs's review against another edition
4.0
This was full of black joy and though I felt the message was being beaten endlessly, I understand that this version is not for me, but would be perfect for my 13 year old students. Thanks for making a young reader’s adaption!
hannahsmanyhobbies's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
johanna_b's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC!
I requested this book awhile back because I found the synopsis intriguing and the content lined up with what I'd been studying at the time, but after I was approved I wasn't sure I was interested in reading it anymore. When I saw that it was less than 200 pages though, I decided to give it a try and I'm SO glad I did because this book was incredible and the author's writing blew me away!! I think part of the reason I was hesitant to start reading this in the first place was because I had just finished another book on race that I found to be very dull and heavy-handed on the political side of things and as a result, I was not excited about jumping back into another one. But in this book the author simply uses stories from her life to clearly and strikingly illustrate her message. I loved how readable it was and I was left challenged by so many of her experiences. Upon finishing this book, I would absolutely LOVE the chance to hear this woman speak in person and I am so glad that I stumbled upon and got the chance to read this amazing book. I highly recommend it! Happy Reading :)
I requested this book awhile back because I found the synopsis intriguing and the content lined up with what I'd been studying at the time, but after I was approved I wasn't sure I was interested in reading it anymore. When I saw that it was less than 200 pages though, I decided to give it a try and I'm SO glad I did because this book was incredible and the author's writing blew me away!! I think part of the reason I was hesitant to start reading this in the first place was because I had just finished another book on race that I found to be very dull and heavy-handed on the political side of things and as a result, I was not excited about jumping back into another one. But in this book the author simply uses stories from her life to clearly and strikingly illustrate her message. I loved how readable it was and I was left challenged by so many of her experiences. Upon finishing this book, I would absolutely LOVE the chance to hear this woman speak in person and I am so glad that I stumbled upon and got the chance to read this amazing book. I highly recommend it! Happy Reading :)
ashylibrarian's review
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This is a powerfully adapted version of the New York Times bestselling book I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. Author Austin Channing Brown recounts her experiences with race in America, something that started when she was just seven (7) years old.
The topics covered in this book are important and heavy, and Channing Brown approaches them all in a way that is understandable and accessible for young readers. She does not shy away from the inequities that she has faced, balancing them nicely with affirmations and words of encouragement for the readers.
This is a raw, powerful, and moving nonfiction memoir that has something for all readers. Very suitable for junior high readers.
readingrainbill's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
mcc1246's review against another edition
5.0
5/5
Austin Channing Brown has beautifully articulated the experience of being black. This book is written as a letter to
young black girls, starting off with “I love being a Black girl. And sometimes being a Black girl in America is hard”. I would recommend this for every little black girl because it will encourage conversations that will hopefully prevent feeling like an odd ball when around people who don’t look like you, and even when they do. Although I absolutely loved this book, the target audience is probably middle school aged. There are so many relatable situations discussed and reminders that “you are not responsible for making other people feel more comfortable”. This is the first book I have read by Channing Brown but I’m anxious to get my hands on the adult version, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #imstillhere
Austin Channing Brown has beautifully articulated the experience of being black. This book is written as a letter to
young black girls, starting off with “I love being a Black girl. And sometimes being a Black girl in America is hard”. I would recommend this for every little black girl because it will encourage conversations that will hopefully prevent feeling like an odd ball when around people who don’t look like you, and even when they do. Although I absolutely loved this book, the target audience is probably middle school aged. There are so many relatable situations discussed and reminders that “you are not responsible for making other people feel more comfortable”. This is the first book I have read by Channing Brown but I’m anxious to get my hands on the adult version, I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #imstillhere
notimeto_read's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced