Tackling Racism Together: In partnership with Show Racism the Red Card

Tackling Racism Together is an important book, jam-packed with material that will inform, challenge and maybe even correct those of its readers who are open to learning. It's a worthwhile read for any KS2 child - and adults for that matter - even (especially) if racism isn't thought to be an issue.

The uncomfortable truth may be that attitudes, comments and behaviour, however 'innocent', may all need amending when understood from the perspective of people with 'protected characteristics'. Likely as not, our prejudice, our natural biases, will not be banished by page 128, but with AM Dassu's helpful explanations, questions and anecdotal evidence, we might be more circumspect, and more committed to working for positive change.

We'll know, for instance, which terms are acceptable (eg 'people of colour') and which are definitely not (eg 'coloured', and many insults which are sensitively explained in the 'Language of Equality' chapter.) At the very least, we'll identify and question microaggressions and probably be more tuned into the subtle but sinister power of media myths.

Children who have seen footballers 'taking the knee', as well as those who are keen on Minecraft, Roblox or Fortnite, are already being exposed to different representations of 'race'. [Incidentally, writes Dassu, race is a human construct, with no basis in genetics. She also explains, at the outset, why 'Black' is capitalised and 'white' is not.]

Racism is evidently a subject about which the author cares deeply and is qualified to address, as an advocate for under-represented voices. Her book could be used for some very honest, confidential (but for any safeguarding concern) discussions in youth group settings, or classrooms, provided there is an attitude of humility and mutual respect.

I doubt whether individual children would read the book from cover to cover, even if drawn to its contemporary design. However, they would still benefit from browsing the articles, comic strips, True-False lists, 'Real-Life!' mini biogs, questions and definitions. The latter, as detailed in the Glossary, give plenty of pause for thought (potentially raising yet more debate).

128 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+