An accessible academic text where the author has interviewed many 10-12 year old children from various backgrounds living in America. A sobering book, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience, some white children were racist, other white children were vehemently opposed to racism. I was struck by how frightened many of the children of colour were, how many had experienced heightened incidents of racism following the election of president Trump. This being an academic text and therefore the children's views being presented without comment, actually adds to the intensity of reading about what they have lived through.
I also found it impressive how politically involved all of the children were, I feel like there is very much a cultural narrative that we must protect children, especially from politics. What is clear from this book is that children are aware, either from their lived experience or from media (usually social), and therefore we really do need to be talking to them and helping them understand and process what they are living with and through.
The conclusion is helpful, full of carefully considered thoughts and suggestions of how we can understand these children's perspectives and also how we can help them. An important and interesting book.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.