The Other Talk

September 1, 2021
White people don't need to have "The Talk" about how to survive racism--they need to have a different talk about taking responsibility for and trying to change it. Jason Reynolds introduces this informal memoir about young adult author Kiely's experiences of Whiteness, which also serves as a call to action for White people to make similar reckonings. With humility and feeling, Kiely narrates his growing understanding of White privilege: that "what we've earned often comes at the expense of other people not being able to earn it as easily." He mixes pithy anecdotes from his own life with trenchant statistics and historical context that make clear the huge extent to which people in power have "legalized, institutionalized, and systematized racism in America." One section lays out all the opportunities Kiely's White grandfather had to build wealth for his family, starting with the GI Bill, alongside all the ways these opportunities were denied to veterans of the Global Majority (a phrase he credits learning from Tiffany Jewell's This Book Is Anti-Racist). His personal stories are equally demonstrative: When teenage Kiely was pulled over for reckless speeding, the police officer let him off with caring, paternal instructions to "go home, be safe, and keep your friends safe." Kiely doesn't mince words when it comes to accountability, but his conversational tone invites readers to grow with him. Well-executed and long overdue. (author's note, endnotes, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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Starred review from September 13, 2021
This approachable memoir and guide, comprising Kiely’s own experiences relating to race and allyship, is a welcome tool to help facilitate conversations with white teenagers about white privilege, and the ongoing journey to become effective allies to those in the “Global Majority,” on both a personal and systemic level. By openly detailing personal missteps—from participating in “ninja runs” to jokingly terrorize his neighborhood with fellow white friends, to “recklessly minivanning” down the highway with no consequences save for a “tender” warning from a police officer—Kiely creates a judgment-free space, skillfully demonstrating that there “are two different Americas, divided by racism” and that honestly addressing the realities of whiteness is imperative “to do better than our past.” Conversationally addressing common arguments that white people employ during “uncomfortable” discussions on race and privilege, Kiely shuts down justifications with directly applicable data; concrete definitions of terms and ideas, such as cultural ethnicity and race; and anecdotes that both address reader questions and provide the language and encouragement to dig deeper, ask questions, and become coconspirators in the fight for equity and equality. Front matter features an introduction by Jason Reynolds; back matter features an author’s note, endnotes, and bibliography. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rob Weisbach, Rob Weisbach Creative Management.

September 15, 2021
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* Alluding to "The Talk," a discussion many parents of color have with their children about the dangers of racism, Kiely presents his own thought-provoking talk about racism to white teen readers. Following an introduction by Jason Reynolds, who cowrote the Coretta Scott King Award-winning All American Boys (2015) with Kiely, the author opens with stories of two teens, one Black and one white, at convenience stores. By the end of the night, the innocent Black teen would be shot dead because of his skin color; the white teen (who Kiely reveals to be his younger self) would steal a drink and get away with it because no one saw him as a threat. Using a direct, conversational style, Kiely expands on this story and adds more unflinching ones along the way as he explains white privilege and how the social construct of race was developed. He also includes a wealth of data and examples to describe how systemic racism has impacted all areas of society, from education and business to housing and health care. In the latter part of the book, Kiely implores young white people to recognize their own privilege and stand up to racism, emphasizing that sometimes the best way to step up is to first listen to those affected. A heartfelt, motivating, and necessary call to action.

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Starred review from December 17, 2021

Gr 7 Up-The phrase "the talk" often refers to the conversation parents of children of color have with them to help them survive encounters with the police. In this important work, Kiely names "the other talk" and discusses why it is so important in our society. The other talk is about white privilege and how those with that privilege can and should work to combat racism. He shares several stories from his life growing up with white privilege and parallels them with some of the tragedies that result from racism. For example, Kiely writes how he was rightfully pulled over by police several times but never got a ticket. He also relates how he wasn't caught committing petty theft numerous times as a teen alongside a story of a Black teen who was shot and killed during an encounter over playing music loudly. Kiely teaches readers what white privilege is and about its many forms; not only how it has helped him but also examples in our larger society such as the negative consequences of discrimination in housing. He argues that it is the responsibility of those with this privilege to fight racism in its many forms, not only when it makes the headlines but also, equally important, in smaller instances such as in private conversations. This deeply personal narrative also succeeds at being a page turner. The stories are absorbing and the engaging, conversational writing style is, at times, surprisingly humorous and other times truly upsetting. VERDICT A compelling call to action that belongs in all collections serving middle and high school students.-Karen Bilton, Franklin Township P.L., NJ

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2022
An introduction by Jason Reynolds, coauthor with Kiely of All American Boys (rev. 11/15), begins this honest and informative reflection on what it means to be white -- and a call for white readers to take anti-racist action. After stating that conversations about race and racism often occur between caregivers and children of the Global Majority (the term Kiely uses throughout), the author opens the door to a conversation on whiteness for an assumed white readership. Using the first-person perspective, and with a casual tone but a deliberate use of language, the author relates personal stories, while acknowledging the contradictions of his authorship and of de-centering whiteness. Voices of youth and of those not always recognized by mainstream society are celebrated. Section breaks pace readers and invite them to pause and reflect; questions offer further opportunities for reader engagement. Kiely carefully scaffolds content, embraces discomfort, rejects either/or binaries, and owns his mistake-making: "I know I'm not going to get everything right. But I think I have to try." Charts and timelines showcase facts about history and racist systems and institutions; extensive back matter is included. Throughout this heartfelt model of white racial identity development, the emphasis remains on self-interrogation, group responsibility, and anti-racist accountability. elisa gall

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)