Cover Image: The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers)

The Sum of Us (Adapted for Young Readers)

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Member Reviews

This book was well-researched, thoughtful, and informative. I finished this book with a new understanding of the history of racism as well as the pervasive white supremist culture that still exists in society today. I felt that the author explained things in a way that made events feel personal to me, and gave me as a reader a sense of empowerment to make changes in my life. I came away from reading this book with the feeling that it should be mandatory reading for everyone. This book should be on every library and school shelf, bar none.

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I've said this before and I'll say it again: as an adult, I love reading Young Readers Editions. They take works and topics that are important for everyone to know about and distil them into easily digestible formats.

In this educational and informative book, McGhee explains a lot of the institutional racism that has been prevalent in the US since the colonial era. Many of these government-sanctioned injustices were things I had not previously learned about, but McGhee explains clearly and concisely how they have hurt minority groups in this country, particularly African Americans, contributed to racist beliefs, and ultimately hurt everyone, White Americans included.

She explains a lot of the zero-sum beliefs (thinking that suggests that if "others" get something, there will inherently be less for you) that have perpetuated racism in this country, shows how they are not true and are often cultivated at powerful levels in order to divide people, and instead argues for a solidarity dividend, or the kinds of political gains that can only be achieved by rejecting zero-sum thinking and working together across racial lines.

Teens and adults alike can benefit from reading this book. It shows how racism is a problem for everyone's quality of life and some of the progress we might be able to make if not divided along racial lines.

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While I have not read the adult version of this book, I found the "Adapted for Young Readers" edition to be lacking. There ae no sources listed and a note at the end saying additional information is available on the website was incorrect.

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I have commented enthusiastically about the adult version, but also want to recognize that THE SUM OF US (Adapted for Young Readers) by Heather McGhee is now available. She subtitles this version "How Racism Hurts Everyone." A primary argument is that people of color AND White Americans are hurt and disadvantaged by racist actions and policies. That seems such a powerful message to share with all young people, especially given the recent public debate over topics like AP classes and content. In a NPR report on that controversy they quoted a student who said, "Any time you want to try to silence something, you will only make someone want to learn about it even more." McGhee's text is accessible – covering the impact of racism across education, healthcare, housing, and much more. Near the end, she poses an essential question: Who is an American, and what (competitors OR collaborators with different strengths and a shared humanity) are we to one another? THE SUM OF US (Adapted for Young Readers) received starred reviews from both Booklist (recommended for grades 8 - 12) and Kirkus and deserves space on the shelf in every school library.

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Our country has been grappling with racism since its inception, but this is not just a problem for Black Americans. In The Sum of Us, McGhee argues that racism hurts ALL Americans, not just Black people. For example, municipalities across the nation closed public pools rather than integrate them, a move that hurt white and Black people alike. Reading The Sum of Us was eye-opening and infuriating – and it made me very sad that the people who most need to read this will not pick it up. Highly recommended for middle school and up.

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As I was blown away by The Sum Of Us when it came out in 2021, I was excited to see it had been adapted for young readers! It is packed full of so much eye-opening information about the history of the United States and how we can address systemic problems. I would suggest at least middle school age or above to read this in order to understand the concepts, but it would be valuable even for adults who want a quicker read. This would make a wonderful classroom resource.

McGhee does a phenomenal job synthesizing how history, public policies, and perspectives have fallen short for all of us. The core thesis is that the Zero Sum assumption has harmed all of us and that we are in fact much stronger when we work together for policies that benefit the public. Zero Sum assumes that resources/jobs/money are limited, so if another group gets some, you will get less. This line of thinking simply is not true and acting this way, actually damages the majority of Americans by denying/voting against services that would benefit all, such as health insurance/care, voting rights/access, public infrastructure/schools, labor unions, etc.

Each chapter is devoted to public services provided in all other wealthy Western countries, many that were once provided here to white citizens, that we no longer have vast access to. Some of the topics include: Public Parks/Pools, Home Ownership + Predatory Lending, Environmental Protection/Regulation, Voting Rights/Access, Labor Unions, Segregation, etc. As the country and public policy has supposedly become less racist, it has drastically cut many services that would benefit all and increase the wealth, stability, and fulfillment of the majority. Corporations have reaped the benefits of division and poor public policies, money has gone to the top, which has created ever-growing wealth inequity and disparity. McGhee posits that the solution is unifying and integrating ourselves for common purposes, which will help us find strength and community. She references multiple situations in which people have come together for a common goal and had dramatic successes. This is a remarkable book and should be read by all Americans!

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

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