The Other Talk: Reckoning With Our White Privilege
on Goodreads (643)
What’s inside...
Brendan Kiely explores the concept of white privilege and its impact on society. He shares his own journey of understanding and acknowledging his privilege, and provides a framework for readers to do the same. The book serves as a call to action for readers to engage in 'the other talk'—a conversation about race and privilege that is often avoided but is crucial for creating a more just world. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, this introduction to white privilege and the importance of allyship is described as 'well-executed and long overdue' by Kirkus Reviews. Kiely begins a necessary conversation for white kids about race, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's white privilege and the vital role of allyship in combating racism.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does the term 'white privilege' mean to you after reading this book?
Can you think of any examples from your own life or school where you've seen white privilege at work?
How do you feel about the conversations between the characters regarding race and privilege?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to understand the concept of white privilege?
How can we, as a family, help contribute to racial equality?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ensure a safe and open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the discussion to real-life scenarios or current events to help make the concepts more tangible for your child.
Encourage your child to ask questions and express confusion if they don't understand something, reinforcing that it's okay not to have all the answers.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives through the characters' experiences in the book.
Use the conversation as an opportunity to share your own experiences and thoughts about privilege and race, modeling open dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding privilege
Explanation: The book discusses the concept of white privilege and encourages readers to reflect on societal advantages they may have based on their race.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize their own privileges and understand the impact of inequality, fostering empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of open conversations
Explanation: The narrative promotes the importance of discussing uncomfortable topics like racism openly and honestly to foster understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in discussions about social issues, enhancing communication skills and broadening their perspectives.
Example Lesson: Taking action against injustice
Explanation: The protagonist learns to not only acknowledge privilege but also to take actionable steps to combat systemic inequalities.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to participate in activities that promote fairness and equality in their communities, such as volunteering or supporting inclusive initiatives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and solidarity
Explanation: Through encounters with diverse characters and situations, readers learn to empathize with experiences different from their own.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop deeper connections with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting a more inclusive school and social environment.