Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Bookseller recommendation

“This “not history, history book” is a remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s adult book, Stamped From the Beginning. In Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Jason Reynolds tells the narrative of racism throughout time with a young adult audience in mind. From the first racist, to slavery, to modern politics, Reynolds revelations surrounding the history of racism and our current struggles with racism are eye-opening and important. Ultimately, he asks each of us if we’re choosing to be a segregationist, an assimilationist, or an anti-racist. A must-read for both young adults and adults.”

— Kristina • Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“What an amazing, passionate and fast-paced take on Kendi’s original Stamped from the Beginning! It takes you on a journey of racist ideas from then to now, the how and why it still lingers on. Reynolds’s engaging way with words will connect with young adults, and everyone else too. This is a book for everyone to read, so that we all can do better in identifying and stamping out racist thoughts.”

— Anne • Newtonville Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Inspiring the next generation of antiracists, Jason Reynolds’ remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped From the Beginning is outstanding. This accessible book for young readers is read in Reynolds’ laid back voice, with transitions between chapters delightfully filled with hip hop. Reynolds’ voice also shines through in the 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.”

— Mary • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“If I had to choose one book to help start young people talking about race, I would pick this one. In fact, you need to read this book. Everyone should. Not only is it extremely approachable, it is also incredibly informative and inclusive. Most of the audiobook is read by Jason Reynolds, and I could not have picked a better narrator. Though it is targeted toward young adults, this book is great for adults as well. Already upon finishing, there are several books I now want to read to further my knowledge on this subject, many of which were overwhelming to me before. ”

— Kalli • Rediscovered Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I really enjoyed this audiobook, and was lucky enough to meet Jason Reynolds at Winter Institute 2020, and he said he hopes this book helps all of us have a full knowledge and a frank discussion about race in America. Reynolds is an engaging narrator, and he deftly reads this remix of Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award winning Stamped From the Beginning. I learned a great deal from this book, and I have been studying American history my whole life. Reynolds' book will allow adults to educate middle readers -- and all of us -- about the true legacy of America's past, and where we go from here. An absolutely essential book. I can't recommend it highly enough, and am grateful to Kendi and Reynolds for providing an accessible telling of the great irony of the premise on the American truth that all men are created equal.”

— John • Main Point Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The history of Black Americans from two people who get it. But this isn't just a history book: it's a recount of why America is the way that it is today, why we have people who think they way they do, and why we have a racist in the White House. Jason Reynolds melodic voice comes through in audio and on the pages. You are guaranteed to learn something new (no matter how learned or woke you are), and it's a good one.”

— Lauren • M. Judson Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Just when you think you know everything about the history of black people in America, along comes this book. It completely shook up what I thought I knew about the struggle for freedom and equality. I discovered some of my "heroes" didn't always fight the good fight and learned a few new names of those who did what they could for the cause. I am not the same person I was before I listened to this book. If everyone who encounters this book can say the same, maybe that will be the beginning of something good. Bravo Jason and Ibram! ”

— Felicia • M. Judson Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“I was blown away by this book. I listened to the audio and Jason Reynold's narration is engaging, funny, and moving all rolled into one. I found myself interested in history in ways I have not been in the past. As white women I found myself grieving for the crimes my race has committed. For hatred that continued to take root and spread. Yet I also found hope. This book does a great job of engaging the topic of race, why racism persists and gives hope that things can change. I wish I could make everyone read this book.”

— Kristin • Fables Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I will recommend this book over and over again because it is that amazing. I especially love the young adult adaptation because the information is so easy to absorb. The book is nonfiction but feels like a story is being told because of the incredible writing style. What's really special is that Ibram X. Kendi, one of the authors, narrates the book. This is a great book for anyone from middle school to adulthood - everyone will learn something they didn't know before listening.”

— Jaycee • Watermark Book Company

Bookseller recommendation

“As Jason Reynolds will remind you, this is not a history book. (I repeat: not a history book.) Instead, Stamped is a crash course on how racism has grown and evolved from the very first incidents of slave trade to the events of today. With his incredible voice and a whole lot of pizazz, Reynolds presents Stamped with true honesty -- but it bears worth mentioning that, until now, I haven't read or listened to a not-history book that managed to make me laugh. Stamped is another undeniable entry in the Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi Are The Coolest People Ever catalogue.”

— Kvothe • Rediscovered Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was so informative and a joy to listen to. Jason Reynolds has such a way with words, and with him narrating the book as well, you're swept up in the history being told. This is a perfect audiobook for high schoolers to listen to with their parents.”

— Lizzy • Books & Company

Bookseller recommendation

“I listened to the audio and I highly recommend it. These two are a dynamite team. They were the narrators and it was perfect. More history needs to be told like this. Listened to it in 2 sittings and you will probably also, cause you will be fascinated.”

— Julia • The Bookloft