The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person

The instant New York Times bestseller

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs--creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.

"We don't see color." "I didn't know Black people liked Star Wars " "What hood are you from?" For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn't see the negative impact they were having.

Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author's past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former "token Black kid" who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.

Author: Frederick Joseph
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 12/01/2020
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781536217018
Audience: 12 - UP

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.8
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513557 / Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2020
Publishers Weekly 11/09/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2020
Booklist 12/01/2020 pg. 36
Shelf Awareness 12/04/2020
School Library Journal 12/01/2020 pg. 114

About the Author
Frederick Joseph is an award-winning marketing professional, media representation advocate, and writer who was recently selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He's also the winner of the 2018 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, given by Comic-Con International: San Diego, and was selected for the 2018 Root 100 List of Most Influential African Americans. He lives in New York City.