Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned In School (YA Nonfiction)

     Ask an educator what students will learn in their years in school and you'll hear mentions of academics, life and work skills, character, civic participation, appreciation of literature, team work, and critical thinking. They probably won't mention the less desirable things kids are exposed to in their years of formal education. 

     But Tiffany Jewell reveals an inconvenient educational truth in Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned In School. As a Black, biracial child and teen she lived with an enormous elephant in the classroom--the racism that is built into so many American schools. 

     "This book is my journey through the public-school system. It includes some of my memories and some research, some facts, and some information. This book is me trying to make sense of the time I spent in school, from my first days of preschool through my college graduation. 

     This book is my coming to terms with the fact that just about everything I learned about racism I learned in school."

     Interspersed with her narrative are childhood memories of other people of color. 

*Emmanuel and his friends had their backpacks publicly searched when a white student stole some candy.

*August tells how in his school Black kids late to class were sent to the office while equally late white kids were let into the classroom. 

*On Lorena's first day of high school she and her classmates were told that half of them wouldn't make it to graduation. 

     This eloquent and indicating book is perfect for YA readers who are making great developmental strides in their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Don't be surprised if they make discoveries about the racism in their own schools. 

On a purrrsonal note I had a really beautiful weekend even though I spent it doing frustrating internship homework. The weather was sunny and the temps hit 70s. I got to hang my clothes outside. And I took my work outside near my flowers 💐 which are still lovely. I had a rare and beautiful experience. Over the couse of Saturday I got to see a magenta flower unfurl from bud to blossom. 

A great big shout out to my beautiful flowers which have provided me with so much joy through the summer and early autumn. 

Jules Hathaway 

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