The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person is a 2020 young adult book written by Frederick Joseph.[1][2]
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Author | Frederick Joseph |
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Language | English |
Genre | Nonfiction |
Publisher | Candlewick Press |
Publication date | December 1, 2020 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (hardcover, paperback), e-book, audiobook |
Pages | 272 |
ISBN | 978-1536217018 |
OCLC | 1200830284 |
Joseph wrote this book after reflecting on daily microaggressions throughout his life.[1] Writing from the perspective of a friend, Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism, as well as conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs. The Black Friend encourages White people to be thoughtful of their interactions with people of color.[3]
The book discusses racism and social injustice and teaches awareness and knowledge to help people become antiracist. It includes personal experiences, interviews with prominent figures such as Angie Thomas, Toni Tone, and April Reign, references to pop culture and media, and an interactive encyclopedia of racism.[4][5]
Critical Reception
editThe Black Friend was well-received for its honest and direct approach. Kirkus Reviews praised it as a "smartly researched, well-intentioned provocation to inspire change," particularly for young adults committed to understanding and fighting racism.[6] Booklist awarded the book a starred review, calling it a "hard-hitting resource for action and change."[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Egan, Elisabeth (December 17, 2020). "Want to Talk About Racism? Sit Next to Frederick Joseph". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
- ^ Buffalo News
- ^ Cohen, Kate (November 22, 2021). "Opinion: Parents think they know what is best for schools. But they often don't". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
- ^ Bondi, Gabrielle (December 10, 2020). "'The Black Friend' review: Frederick Joseph's honest and affecting guide "on being a better white person"". The Young Folks. The Young Folks. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
- ^ a b "The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph". Penguin Random House. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "The Black Friend". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved August 16, 2024.