Rise Up!
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
Rise Up! by Crystal Fleming is a resource for young readers that explores the origins and consequences of racism in the US, through vivid narratives and contemporary examples. The book addresses questions about white supremacy and the treatment of undocumented children of color, offering an in-depth overview of the systemic racism that persists. Fleming, a sociologist and critically-acclaimed author, gives young people actionable ways to foster a more just society, promoting values such as empathy, respect, and tolerance to unite antiracists in the struggle for equality. This urgent book explores the roots of racism and its legacy in modern day, all while empowering young people with actionable ways they can help foster a better world and become antiracists. Rise Up! breaks down the origins of racial injustice and its continued impact today, connecting dots between the past and present. By including contemporary examples ripped from headlines and actionable ways young people can help create a more inclusive world, sociologist Crystal Marie Fleming shares the knowledge and values that unite all compassion, solidarity, respect, and courage in the face of adversity. Perfect for fans of Remix, This Book is Antiracist, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy, and The Black Friend. Praise for Rise Up! includes being a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2021, a School Library Journal Best Book of 2021, and a Booklist Editors' Choice Winner for 2021.
Age
12-18
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways you can help make positive changes in your community, like the characters in 'Rise Up!'?
How did the story make you feel about standing up for what you believe in?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the characters in the book?
What do you think is the most important message in 'Rise Up!'?
Who was your favorite character and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings after reading the book, and relate them to personal experiences.
Discuss the importance of courage and resilience in everyday life, drawing parallels to the characters' struggles and victories.
Highlight the moral and ethical lessons within the story, asking your child how they might apply these lessons to their own life.
Ask your child to imagine what they would do in the characters' situations, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of community and teamwork in achieving common goals.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-confidence
Explanation: In 'Rise Up!', young readers witness the protagonist overcoming challenges through determination and self-belief.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to believe in their abilities and face their own life challenges with confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of community support
Explanation: The story highlights how friends and community members rally to support the main character in times of need.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and seek support from their own communities and to support others in return.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces various setbacks but continually perseveres, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to not give up easily and to keep trying despite difficulties, fostering perseverance.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book show kindness to each other, which helps in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being kind to others, which can lead to positive outcomes in social interactions and conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse cast of characters, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and celebrate differences in others, helping them to develop into well-rounded individuals who can thrive in diverse environments.