Antiracist Baby
Antiracist Baby is a 2020 children's book written by Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky. The book, inspired by the author's 4-year-old daughter,[1] was conceived as a tool for discussing racism with young children.[2][3] The book proposes nine steps for discussing racism, with the ultimate goal of teaching children to be antiracist.[4][5] The book states that "Antiracist Baby is bred not born. Antiracist Baby is raised to make society transform" and that a choice is necessary: "babies are taught to be racist or antiracist—there’s no neutrality."[6]
The book was first released as a board book in June 2020, then as a picture book in July 2020.[7][8] In 2021 Netflix announced that it would produce a series of "musical animated shorts" based on the book.[9][10]
Reception[]
The book was at the top of the New York Times best-seller list and was chosen as one of National Public Radio's 100 favorite books for young readers.[11][12] It has received both positive[13][14] and negative reviews. Some critics have rejected its thesis that babies are taught to be either racist or antiracist.[15][16] In 2021, Safeway grocery stores across Oregon pulled the book from sale following a customer complaint; the stores later returned the book to sale.[17]
References[]
- ^ Kaplan, Erin Aubry (5 June 2020). "'Antiracist Baby' helps educate infants about racism. Author Ibram X. Kendi explains how". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Morris, Natalie (22 April 2021). "Antiracist Baby: The picture book teaching toddlers about racism". Metro.
- ^ Walsh, Colleen (July 24, 2020). "Teaching children to be antiracist". The Harvard Gazette. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ Parker-Pope, Tara (24 June 2020). "How to Raise an Anti-Racist Kid". The New York Times.
- ^ Storey, Celia (15 June 2020). "READ TO ME: Antiracist Baby is a best-seller". Arkansas Online.
- ^ Rosen, Christine (14 September 2020). "You Will Be Re-Educated". Commentary Magazine.
- ^ "ANTIRACIST BABY | Kirkus Reviews". kirkusreviews.com.
- ^ "Top seller 'Antiracist Baby' to be released as picture book". Chron. 18 June 2020.
- ^ Mauch, Ally. "Historian Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to Produce Three Netflix Projects Based on His Anti-Racism Books". People. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ Sun, Rebecca (15 January 2021). "Netflix Partners with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi for Three Projects Based on His Books (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ "'Antiracist Baby' Encourages Babies And Toddlers To Confront Racism At An Early Age". BET.com.
- ^ Mayer, Petra (August 31, 2020). "Welcome To Story Hour: 100 Favorite Books For Young Readers". NPR.org. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ Pasquariello, Kristy (June 5, 2020). "AntiRacist Baby". School Library Journal. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Antiracist Baby". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ Osborne, Monica (8 April 2021). "Stop calling babies racist | Opinion". Newsweek.
- ^ Lloyd, Will (September 2, 2020). "Is your baby racist?". The Spectator. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- ^ Jaquiss, Nigel (March 2, 2021). "Safeway Pulled Bestselling "Antiracist Baby" Book From Shelves in Oregon Stores Last Month". Willamette Week. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
- 2020 children's books
- American picture books