The Other Talk: Reckoning with Our White Privilege

This approachable memoir and guide, comprising Kiely's own experiences relating to race and allyship, is a welcome tool to help facilitate conversations with white teenagers about white privilege, and the ongoing journey to become effective allies to those in the "Global Majority," on both a personal and systemic level. By openly detailing personal missteps--from participating in "ninja runs" to jokingly terrorize his neighborhood with fellow white friends, to "recklessly minivanning" down the highway with no consequences save for a "tender" warning from a police officer--Kiely creates a judgment-free space, skillfully demonstrating that there "are two different Americas, divided by racism" and that honestly addressing the realities of whiteness is imperative "to do better than our past." Conversationally addressing common arguments that white people employ during "uncomfortable" discussions on race and privilege, Kiely shuts down justifications with directly applicable data; concrete definitions of terms and ideas, such as cultural ethnicity and race; and anecdotes that both address reader questions and provide the language and encouragement to dig deeper, ask questions, and become coconspirators in the fight for equity and equality. Front matter features an introduction by Jason Reynolds; back matter features an author's note, endnotes, and bibliography. Ages 12-up. Agent: Rob Weisbach, Rob Weisbach Creative Management. (Sept.)

Gr 7 Up--The phrase "the talk" often refers to the conversation parents of children of color have with them to help them survive encounters with the police. In this important work, Kiely names "the other talk" and discusses why it is so important in our society. The other talk is about white privilege and how those with that privilege can and should work to combat racism. He shares several stories from his life growing up with white privilege and parallels them with some of the tragedies that result from racism. For example, Kiely writes how he was rightfully pulled over by police several times but never got a ticket. He also relates how he wasn't caught while committing petty theft numerous times as a teen alongside a story of a Black teen who was shot and killed during an encounter over playing music loudly. Kiely teaches readers what white privilege is and about its many forms; he speaks not only to how it has helped him but also addresses its examples in society such as the consequences of discrimination in housing. He argues that it is the responsibility of those with this privilege to fight racism in its many forms, not only when it makes the headlines but also, equally important, in smaller instances such as in private conversations. This deeply personal narrative also succeeds at being a page turner. The writing style is highly engaging and conversational, and the stories are absorbing and at times, truly upsetting. VERDICT A compelling call to action that belongs in all collections serving middle and high school students.--Karen Bilton