Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
What’s inside...
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed by Dashka Slater is a non-fiction book that delves into the impact of a racist social media account on a group of teenagers. The narrative explores the real-life consequences of online hate speech and bigotry, as it follows the story of how a single social media account with racist content affects the lives of several young individuals. The book examines themes of accountability, justice, and the complexities of navigating social issues in the digital age. It also addresses the challenges faced by the affected teenagers, including the emotional and psychological toll of being targeted by racism, as well as the broader implications for society when such hate is allowed to proliferate online. Slater's work is a poignant reminder of the power of words and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions in an increasingly connected world. YALSA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION WINNER
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
480 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the actions of the characters in the story make you feel?
What do you think could have been done differently to avoid the negative consequences?
Why is it important to think about the impact of our words and actions on others, especially on social media?
How do you think the teenagers changed by the end of the book?
What have you learned about racism and accountability from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes to set a comfortable tone for open dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings without judgment, showing that all perspectives are valued.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dive deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Connect the story to real-life situations or current events to make the discussion more relatable and relevant.
Reiterate the importance of empathy, understanding, and responsible communication as key takeaways from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The impact of racism and discrimination
Explanation: The story illustrates the harmful effects of a racist social media account on the lives of several teenagers, showing the emotional and social consequences of racial discrimination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of empathy and understanding, and be encouraged to stand against racism and discrimination in their own lives, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: The power of accountability and responsibility
Explanation: As characters in the book confront the creator of the discriminatory account, they emphasize the necessity of owning up to one's actions and the impact those actions have on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to understand the effects of their actions and words on others, promoting responsible and thoughtful behavior both online and offline.
Example Lesson: The role of social media in shaping perceptions
Explanation: The book discusses how social media can be used to spread harmful ideas but also bring to light issues of social justice, demonstrating its power to influence public perception.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to critically analyze the content they consume on social media, understand its potential biases, and use their own platforms to promote positive messages and awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of open communication
Explanation: Through the struggles of the characters, the book highlights how open conversations about uncomfortable topics like race can lead to greater understanding and change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in honest discussions with peers and adults about difficult subjects, enhancing their ability to navigate complex social issues.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The teenagers in the story demonstrate resilience as they deal with the fallout from the racist account, working towards healing and change.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to remain strong and positive even during challenging times, learning to overcome obstacles and work towards personal and communal healing.