A book so good, it is now one of only two 5-star ratings on my GoodReads -- I just went through and removed a star from every single other book I've read. That's how good this gift of a book is.

A vitally important, compelling and tightly written narrative account of racism in all its forms in America. Jason Reynolds has outdone even himself with this one. His synthesis of the main touchstones from Ibram X. Kendi's book is powerful (disclaimer: I'm halfway through reading STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING, and it's worth the 580 page count). Reynold's ability to deftly explain and give meaning and context to words like uplift suasion, segregationists, assimilationists, and more is stunning. And his ability to center young people, and their place in this - our communal history - is astonishing.

Make sure you listen to/read the acknowledgements. His final shout out goes to every young person reading STAMPED (and not reading it), and is a call to self-education and action.

Jason Reynolds' remix of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award Winner "Stamped From the Beginning" is an excellent primer on anti-Black racism in America. Reynolds both acknowledges that race is a tough topic to tackle, but also that it's a necessary one. His style is conversational and engaging, and this is a great book for teen and adult readers to continue the conversation about racism in America.

Inspiring the next generation of antiracists, Jason Reynolds’ remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped From the Beginning is outstanding. Reynolds’ voice shines through in the accessible text, which he adapts to be not a “history book” (even though it has history in it) but a book about our present. He acknowledges that talking about race and privilege is uncomfortable, but guides readers through mindful breathing to get through it, because it’s important.