From the Publisher
*"There is humor, lightness, and relatability in Acho’s reliance on pop culture and experience that will make this title a standout for use in classrooms, libraries, and homes. [W]hether you are 18 or 80, there’s something to learn from this thought-provoking pick." —Booklist, starred review
"Readers of all races can use this resource to begin having crucial conversations about the need to dismantle systemic racism in this country. A strong addition for public and school libraries who want to offer safe spaces for these necessary conversations." —School Library Journal
"A popular YouTube series on race, “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,” turns how-to manual and history lesson for young readers." —Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal - Audio
★ 04/01/2022
Gr 6–10—For audiences familiar with the former NFL linebacker's viral YouTube series, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, or those who might have already listened to the Acho-narrated audiobook of the same title, be assured that Landon Woodson's performance in this young readers edition is just as affecting. Divided into three parts—"Me and You," "Us and Them," "We"—Acho presents concise, thoughtful chapters that combine history, contemporary context, lessons and how-tos, even managing to acknowledge COVID-19 with "the longest-lasting pandemic in this country is a virus not of the body but of the mind, and it's called racism." He's got antidotes to share. Youthful and energetic, Woodson effortlessly adapts from the solemnity of exposing the horrors of enslavement, from breaking down challenging concepts like implicit bias and cultural appropriation, to encouraging all the ways of allyship. VERDICT Never pedantic, always heartening, Woodson is an excellent stand-in to amplify Acho's uncomfortable conversations.
School Library Journal
06/18/2021
Gr 6–10—A young readers adaptation of Acho's Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, this is an examination of systemic racism as experienced by a Nigeran-American young man who was educated in predominately white institutions. The author's upbringing and experiences coupled with his time in the NFL has allowed him to develop relationships with people from all walks of life. These relationships and the murder of George Floyd led Acho to create his YouTube series "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man." This volume gives younger readers an entry point to having conversations of their own about race and racism. Acho explains the ways racism continues to negatively impact Black people today. Readers are introduced to the unjust laws and housing and health care practices that continue to prop up the system of white supremacy. He also provides insight into Black culture for non-Black readers. He explores what being an ally means, protesting safely, and speaking up confidently. Readers of all races can use this resource to begin having crucial conversations about the need to dismantle systemic racism in this country. VERDICT A strong addition for public and school libraries who want to offer safe spaces for these necessary conversations. Pair with Frederick Joseph's The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person.—Desiree Thomas, Worthington Lib., OH
SEPTEMBER 2021 - AudioFile
Inspired by former football player Emmanuel Acho's popular video series, this audiobook is aimed primarily at young listeners who are unfamiliar with the basic concepts, history, and effects of systemic racism in America. The intent is to help kids along "the road to antiracist allyship," and narrator Landon Woodson supports this intent with the serious, encouraging tone of a friendly coach. While he covers topics that are complicated and often grim, Woodson's conversational style keeps the material grounded, and his pacing is slow enough to follow yet brisk enough that it doesn't lapse into a lecture. This adaptation may not be the most comprehensive audiobook about racism for kids, but it provides a solid listening experience, making it a useful tool for youth, caregivers, and educators. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2021-05-11
A popular YouTube series on race, “Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,” turns how-to manual and history lesson for young readers.
Acho is a former NFL player and second-generation Nigerian American who cites his upbringing in predominantly White spaces as well as his tenure on largely Black football teams as qualifications for facilitating the titular conversations about anti-Black racism. The broad range of subjects covered here includes implicit bias, cultural appropriation, and systemic racism. Each chapter features brief overviews of American history, personal anecdotes of Acho’s struggles with his own anti-Black biases, and sections titled “Let’s Get Uncomfortable.” The book’s centering of Whiteness and White readers seems to show up, to the detriment of its subject matter, both in Acho’s accounts of his upbringing and his thought processes regarding race. The overall tone unfortunately conveys a sense of expecting little from a younger generation who may have a greater awareness than he did at the same age and who, therefore, may already be uncomfortable with racial injustice itself. The attempt at an avuncular tone disappointingly reads as condescending, revealing that, despite his online success with adults, the author is ill-equipped to be writing for middle-grade readers. Chapters dedicated to explaining to White readers why they shouldn’t use the N-word and how valuable White allyship is may make readers of color (and many White readers) bristle with indignation and discomfort despite Acho’s positive intentions.
Ultimately adds little to conversations about race. (glossary, FAQ, recommended reading, references) (Nonfiction. 10-14)
