This compact review of slavery and race relations in American history is an excellent introduction for younger readers, but it posits a number of ideas that could be included in much more critical (higher thinking) discussion.

The book outlines the early roots of slavery and procedes with quite a thorough chronological examination of major events regarding how discrimination and racism persist.  The work also reveals how racism continues to be a concern today and suggests ways to address this concern for dealing with the more subtle aspects of racial bias.

I appreciated the simple, clear rendering of the history of slavery and the awful history that followed the civil war.  The author also included a number of ancillary details that might not be illustrated in a standard approach to the subject.  For example, it was interesting to note how the leaders of the Black Panther movement recognized how African American women in the organization were the victims of discrimination within the ranks. 

I truly did not dislike any aspect of the work.  It is hard to find anything objectionable in a book that deals with the subject of slavery and the ways in which those roots still affect culture and society today (and into the future).  Perhaps this has something to do with what has been called “white fragility”.  

The ideas were presented in clear, readable fashion geared toward younger readers.  However, the style and delivery of the vital ideas and implications in the book made it useful for much higher level thinking/questioning.  I also found the “sideline” sections to be useful as additional information to supplement the main text.

Younger, less-informed readers will find the book accessible and readable.  Those older readers who are familiar with the sad history of racism in America will be surprised by the more complex issues that might be revealed (and discussed) along the way.

I recommend this book with enthusiasm, especially for the younger reader (middle school).  It is a great introduction for the subject of slavery and how those roots still affect our society and culture.  I gleaned a good deal from my reading of Harris’ book; it is an easy way to review the essentials while affording much more discussion about the complexities of racism even in these more “enlighted” times.