Reading Towards antiracism

June 2020

Studying current events is an important part of the upper school curriculum because it is a critical part of being civic-minded, one of our Core Values. The news today is filled with the protest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police, and understanding the context of this moment (how we got here) can be hard.

Some common questions that are coming up for citizens your age include:

• What does antiracism mean compared to racism?
• Why do people protest? Why do people riot?
• What is the history of racism in America?

These are huge topics and there are many people and places you can turn to for answers and guidance both at home and at school. Another powerful way to explore these questions is through reading books. As you are choosing your independent reading for the summer, please consider some of these titles. This list represents a small selection of both fiction and nonfiction books that offer insights to address the questions above while allowing you to experience the world from different perspectives.

Although all of the titles provide a window into the impact of racism on individuals and American society, they vary widely in topics and maturity. The list has two sections, Middle Grade (5th - 8th) and Young Adult (7th - 12th), but that is a very loose guideline: read what you are ready for. Then, think about the big questions these stories present and look for ways to discuss them with friends and family.