First of all, I have to say I love the concept of the book, a collection of inspiring quotes that you normally might not see or hear. I also appreciated that Rankin includes quotes from people across the board; from those we all know like Serena Williams and Barack Obama to others we might all not know well or be familiar with like Deepa Iyer and Ellen Pence; people across borders and ages. It is inspiring, colorful, and powerful, interspersed with photos of the personalities. Don’t forget to read the brief bio of every quoted figure at the back of the book.

This book is a great intro to people we need to know and to get inspired by their thoughts on race, color, creed, and how we can change things for the better.

When I picked this book, I knew it would include quotes but did not realize it was only quotes. Given that the book is intended to be such, it serves as a wonderful introduction to people, ideas, and concepts, and to inspire its readers to learn and understand more. It will certainly be even more wonderful if the book categorizes the quotes by their core ideas and include short essays by the author/others for each section. Also, including the bios of the people along with their quotes will definitely make it more impactful and informational.

All in all, this first in the Words of Change series is one to check out, and bring about a world of change!!!

Source: NetGalley digital review copy. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy. these are my honest opinions.

Anti-Racism (Words of Change series) is an excellent compilation of powerful quotes from diverse people throughout history.

Found this particular series to be an excellent addition to our young adult collection. Purchased this along with the other Climate, Queer & Body titles. Accessible and informative.

Quotes from timeless models in history and current individuals taking a stand for anti-racism. Excellent collection

Great book with some incredible quotes. Didn’t translate super well to an e-reader so I’d probably go for a hard copy of this!

Anti-Racism is written exceptionally well and is a read that everyone needs on their shelves and educators need in their classrooms. Rankin does an exceptional job of addressing the vitriolic racism, lack of representation, "othering", hate crimes, mental affects, diaspora/immigrant experiences, classism, gerrymandering, redtape, voter suppression and more in this title, but also how we can work on combatting them, using our voices, demand equity and inclusion, hope for the future and more. It was truly raw, authentic, heartrending, hopeful and uplifting. There is hope for a better and more equitable future for marginalized folks if we put in the work and fight racism at every turn.

I will start by saying that I loved this book, it was laid out artfully and engaging to the eye, and I plan to use many, many excerpts with my students as discussion starters and quick-write prompts during our social justice unit.

However, I do need to note that there is a quote in the middle of the book from Megan Rapinoe that contains a pretty strong curse word. I kind of wish this word had been censored in some way, simply because it's the only quote in the book to feature course language, and it could, unfortunately, give angry parents a leg to stand on if it were included in a classroom library or as part of instruction. The Rapinoe quote itself was great and absolutely worthy of inclusion, and I'm not normally one for any sort of censorship at all, but I know that some teachers work in the sorts of conservative areas where it could be an issue.

Yes! Everything about this book. Yes! I wanted to pull one of the quotes out and it was so hard deciding because they were all so amazing.

"If you're seeing your White counterparts engage in White privilege behind closed doors and engaging in racism, it's your job as a White person to use your White privilege to let them know why that's so fucked up." - Jonathan van Ness

This collection of quotes was amazing. I want to have this book on my coffee table forever. I want to carry it around with me everywhere to have access to it at all times. Everyone needs to read this book and then go do more learning. I have been on this journey towards anti-racism for a while and it is long and challenging. It's constantly learning and accepting that you don't know everything. I think that this book is a great place to start. It gives everyone a place to start getting used to the idea and to start learning. Then, reading the little biographies in the back, you can choose other authors to learn from and read. I loved this!

*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

This is an inspiring book about ways to fight racism in our daily lives. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book

I love this little book of quotes because these are not the typical quotes that are published and re-published over and over again. This book includes quotes from a range of influential anti-racists who are prominent in our society today as well as figures from the past who will remain essential in our ongoing battle against systematic racism. This is definitely worth reading, re-reading, and sharing with everyone you know.

Anti-Racism (Words of Change series) is a colorful, striking book that combines nearly everything I love: superb photography, pops of color, amazing typography and easy-to-digest content.

It’s essentially an inspirational pocket guide on how to be a better human. In it, activist and author Kenrya Rankin brings together the voices from our present and past. And those include motivational quotes and advice from well-known authors, athletes, world leaders, activists, movie stars and journalists.

While I love it, it’s especially a great book for young people as it will inspire the next generation to become agents for change.

Seriously, you need to buy this gem for your own coffee table. (Or your loo)!


Many thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for sharing an electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Sasquatch Books/Spruce Books for providing me with an E-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

For what it is, "Anti-Racism (Words of Change Series)" by Kenrya Rankin is wonderful. However, before starting it, I had a whole different idea of what this book might be. I did not realize that it was literally just a book full of quotes about anti-racism. I thought perhaps it would be different essays and such on the topic. Nope! But my misunderstanding was entirely my mistake, and I obviously don't blame the author or publisher for that.

So considering what it actually was, it was fantastic. I thought all of the quotes the author chose were great additions, and I loved the graphic design of the book. I think if you're especially looking to introduce yourself to new ideas, but are specifically looking for a quick read, this would be perfect. It doesn't offer much beyond the introduction of ideas and concepts, and it would be the responsibility of the reader to further educate themselves on this topic through other books and media. But of course, I believe this is exactly the purpose of this book, so I don't consider that a fault of it whatsoever.

One thing I specifically appreciated in this book was the inclusion of pronouns in the biography section for the sources. For example, one of the quotes was from Serena Williams. So in that section the author wrote "Serena Williams, (she/her)" or something along those lines, I don't see that often, and although the majority of the sources use binary pronouns, it was an awesome addition.

There really isn't much to critique or talk about in regards to this book, so this review is pretty short and sweet - just like the book itself! It's a solid 4/5 stars for me. Definitely check it out if you're interested!

“Our people deserve the world we envisioned, and that world requires us to birth and build it”
-Ash-lee Woodard Henderson

We all dream of a utopian world, but the idea of the ideal is subjective. Perhaps the only objective idea of utopia which exists is one painted with all the colours. In an uncomplicated world, such a blending of colours to form one whole would be identified as a strength. However, the reality that we live in today is one governed by power hierarchies where this union is not seen as a sign of solidarity, but largely as its final product, the colour white. Despite white not being able to exist without the other colours, somehow our twisted minds have come to associate each colour as inferior to white itself.

Kenrya Rankin in her introduction to “Anti-Racism: Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas” illustrates the concept of white supremacy as a ladder where white is obviously at the top and all the other colours fall below as they get darker. An individual’s position on the ladder impacts the life they get to live. The introduction is followed by a carefully curated collection of striking quotes that attack the very heart of racism and marginalism.

This book is perfect for an introduction to what it means to be racist, as well as anti-racist. A short book that packs a punch, the quotes coupled with pictures and biographies of the speakers, inspires the readers to be better versions of themselves than they currently are. While it would have been nice to hear more of the author’s own views, “Anti-Racism: Powerful Voices, Inspiring Ideas” is a much-needed book for the 21st century.

*Received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is an unbiased opinion.

Loved this book, and the huge message it has, I think is important to involve this type of literature specially in our youth, because new generation need to learn from pass mistakes and contribute, to this new phase of humanity, in which being equal and kind is a requirement to create new nd much better society, that has acceptance not only taking in account race but other traits that make us Human. Awesome book, especially nowadays under the circumstances we are living.

I really enjoyed this collection of quotes from influential people in the world who have spoken out about and against racism, especially in the United States. The book was shorter and easy to get through, it would be great to read a quote a day or base discussions around these quotes. Further, I really enjoyed the book visually, all the colours and including photos of the invidious speaking the quotes. Lastly, the author included mini biographies on each of the contributors, which I really appreciated to provide context. Great resource!

I found what Kenrya Rankin promised I would—wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement. I felt the passion and celebration in this book. I heard the call to rip the ladder from the earth to continue the work of dismantling crippling systems.
I was deeply immersed and engaged in this book. I smiled, I sighed, I slowly nodded in agreement, I got excited by the colourful pages, the vintage photos, and every quote I wished I could highlight. I loved how digestible this quote book was, the tone was hopeful while acknowledging a painful history.

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me access to this book by Kenrya Rankin.

It consists of quotes in the voice of anti-racists and activists that challenge racism, inequality and white supremacy and encourages one to take a stand and recognise white privilege. It does not educate the reader but inspires them to in the words of Zack Linly "do their own part".

This is a great start for anyone who is looking to read anti-racist and own voices non-ficton.

"My struggle has made me fierce, and we all need to be a little fierce to get things done." Deb Halland

To pick just one voice or one quote that I like in Kenrya Rankin’s Anti-Racism is impossible. Who would want to? Compilations of stories and ideas are some of my favorite types of books, as you can read by looking at my “Must Read” list. This book will now be on that list.

This book is part of the “Words of Change” series and I firmly believe that words can change someone’s viewpoint or I would not be a reader or a writer. This is a book that should be read aloud in classrooms and discussed. Y’all know how I like to read these books, small doses at a time to really savor the idea and discuss it with someone else. These are the books that you bring to dinner parties to initiate conversation and ideas.

Thank you to Kenrya Rankin for compiling this beautiful and important piece of work. This is a book that I will reference constantly.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I thought this was such a great mixture of quotes from people through out history and in the present day. These quotes touch on racism and how to be anti-racist and just overall very powerful. I like how this is geared toward young adult, but I do also think that everyone should read this.

I really didn't want to chuck this on a pile of books that I haven't reviewed due to formatting so, despite being unable to read this ARC, I'm giving it a reading.
I plan to getting a copy of this once it's released as I was so looking forward to reading it.