Reviews

Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell

whatyoutolkienabout's review

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5.0

I feel I need to preface this review with two things, firstly I am from the UK and this book focuses on the USA, however I fully believe it can be applied to any country that is predominately populated by white people. Second I am a white, cis female and while I am part of the LGBTQ+ community I am painfully aware that I will never be subjected to any of the things covered here. I can honestly say I have never felt so angry while reading mostly at the obvious injustice but partly because I could recognise some of the examples from when I was at school.

I firmly believe this book should be on every syllabus of every school not only in America but other countries as well. Jewell does not hold back explaining and guiding readers through her experiences and others as well. I have no doubt the examples and personal stories will resonate with many POC. I particularly think many will find not only a sense of catharsis that their experiences are not singular but no doubt will also feel anger, as I have said I did myself and I am still mad as I write this. But I also believe that many will find help in the templates and resources the book offers. But for the white reader I believe this book will also be help. It will help to make us realise what injustices and racism go on right in front of our eyes, instilled in us from a young age by the very institutes that are meant to help teach us. Sadly in the current climate across the world this book is exactly what is needed, even if it shouldn’t be in 2024. It is powerful, factual and thought-provoking.

bookishbatz's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

5.0

largessofliterature's review against another edition

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4.5

Should be required reading for every teacher (especially the white ones). 

annabeth324's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

elyssam's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.75

Some of these stories will stay with me forever. It was enlightening to hear the many unique moments of shared experiences. 

cupofbooksreviews's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell. I have given this book five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I completely understand that as a white female, I’m privileged and aware that I am not primarily affected to the things covered in this book.  

This is an incredibly, important and thought-provoking book. Despite the fact that this book focuses on the school system in the USA, I think this book should be recommended to everyone. I can imagine this book can be applied to the majority of schools, as it is based on the institution not solely the teachers. For example, the reading materials that are provided to young students to learn at school more often than not are written by dead white men. If schools haven’t already, I think it’s time to make the change and start growing and expanding the knowledge to learn about important history and widen the reading list as well.

The racism and injustice running throughout this book through the author and people’s experiences made me so angry and sad, knowing that this happens everywhere. It made me think about my school and I think I had one (or two at a push) teacher(s) of the Global Majority out of around nine-ten subjects that taught me throughout my secondary school years. 

This is an own voice book as well as other stories and poems told from BIPOC told throughout the pages. 



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gonsiorc's review

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challenging emotional informative fast-paced

2.5

antdan's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

lisbethwhite's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

a_laschinger's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0