Reviews

Colorblind: A Story of Racism by Johnathan Harris, Garry Leach

mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition

4.0

Not a great graphic novel, but it is hard to judge someone's personal story. As a personal story this was interesting and well-written. And shared a perspective that was worth reading. Otherwise the art was fine - it didn't distract. A pure message series feels a bit overbearing. And after reading book after book about the dangers of color blindness - it's hard not to just disagree. The idea and ideals of color blindness is a good one. 3.5 of 5.

stacyrenee's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.0

Great illustration style. Great message.

Content warnings: Racism, imprisonment, religion, and more.

arrr's review against another edition

4.0

I don't like the way white women use the term colorblind to mask their racism. But the way this young author uses it is different. This is a compelling story of family and overcoming racism. Good lessons for my kid.

emilysbookishlife's review against another edition

challenging hopeful reflective fast-paced

2.25

critterbee's review against another edition

4.0

A new take on respecting yourself and others in the face of racism, but puts the responsibility for overcoming it on those affected most negatively by racism. Great representation for family with members incarcerated, an under-served audience.

briface's review against another edition

2.0

The self promotion of Zuiker Press in the beginning and end pages of this book was a huge turn off for me due to self congratulatory white people. This book felt ultimately exploitive rather than authentic compared to other autobiographical graphic novels i have read about racial justice in America.

ladykatka's review against another edition

2.0

I understand that this is autobiographical and a young person's story and that is really nice to see. However, I do find it a little problematic as it barely scratches the surface of racism and is mostly mislabeled. It is more about how to deal with your own anger and bitterness towards a society that can often seem to be against you, your own anger and bitterness of systematic oppression as well as the individual racism of others. But even that story is just so light and nice it almost gives the impression that "It isn't that bad". It is not the best message to send if the world is trying to fight against the systemic oppression of POC.

I also found it to be a little preachy, which took me by surprise as it was completely unexpected.

This book should only ever be used as a launchpad for a deeper discussion. It can open the doorway to talking about big issues, but don't let this be the only book you read about the subject of racism.

jackelz's review against another edition

4.0

I hate the word ‘colorblind’. To me, it implies that you truly aren’t seeing a person. You’re seeing past them. They’re invisible. You’re silencing them. People need to be seen. And they definitely need to be heard. The color of someone’s skin is a part of them just as their life experiences, culture, language, perspectives, and much more are. We need to see and accept people for who they are as a whole, and not just parts of them. Colorblind is Jonathan’s story and how he dealt with racism growing up — from his family being wrongfully cuffed to bullying on the soccer field. This book opens up conversation about racism and what we can do to combat it.

thelibrarianmom's review against another edition

5.0

A very worthwhile read. Heartbreaking and full of hope.

jackelz's review

4.0

I hate the word ‘colorblind’. To me, it implies that you truly aren’t seeing a person. You’re seeing past them. They’re invisible. You’re silencing them. People need to be seen. And they definitely need to be heard. The color of someone’s skin is a part of them just as their life experiences, culture, language, perspectives, and much more are. We need to see and accept people for who they are as a whole, and not just parts of them. Colorblind is Jonathan’s story and how he dealt with racism growing up — from his family being wrongfully cuffed to bullying on the soccer field. This book opens up conversation about racism and what we can do to combat it.