WOKE: Why So Afraid?

Roaring Book Press, 2020

This fifty-six page collection of poems for ages 8-12 is brilliant, age-appropriate, and essential. The current effort in Florida and elsewhere restricts any or most instruction about racism, social justice, systemic discrimination, and other topics that may occasionally be uncomfortable but are dozens of decades past due. 

My question, and yours, should be: 

What about (and WHY?) are these topics, even as poems, so terrifying to so many folks?

 WOKE: A YOUNG POET'S CALL TO JUSTICE is written by Mahogany L. Brown with contributions by two other outstanding poets, Olivia Gatwood and Elizabeth Acevedo. With an introduction by the direct and determined Jason Reynolds, the poetry and topical power of this slim collection is honest and revealing, expanding the thinking of readers of any background. Everything about it is kid-friendly, so I challenge potential objectors (all adults) to RISK reading it, cover to cover, and comment below or in other public venues, sharing specifics about what it is, exactly, that would "harm" a child? What are you so afraid of, exactly?

Please, do NOT rely on my note below or these reviews that follow, but consider that they come from those of us who read extensively and work with young readers regularly, who know what kids enjoy, wonder about, and respond to with thoughtful connections. We are also sadly familiar with content that can be harmful, and this is not that!

For example: 

"An important book that demands to be seen. It adds to the conversation of #OwnVoices and speaks to a young person’s need for expression and social justice." - School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Worth adding to any youth poetry collection, Woke will call out to and empower its readers with a reminder that 'our voice is our greatest power.'" - Booklist

From my own reading: 

"READ. THIS.

Then share it, engage with individual poems and consider the ways in which they interact and reflect on each other. 

The illustrations and book size/format are a celebration of the contents and concepts for young readers and thinkers.

Reflect. Rinse. Repeat.

READ. THIS."

I wrote that opinion and call to action before reading this starred review from KIRKUS:

"Read it; gift it; use it to challenge, protect, and grow."