balto_hon's review
5.0
If you liked This Book is Antiracist by Tiffany Jewell, but found the activities to be repetitive and/or too young, you will like this one far better. This one is targeted to adult audiences and includes a variety of activities from crosswords to lift-the-flap to gatefolds to roleplay to coloring. The text gives exact suggestions for how to handle difficult conversations and a general history of the problematic systems. The authors acknowledge their own foibles and use humor throughout. While this text is generally geared to the audiences that may have picked up their first ABAR reading already, those who are a bit more entrenched in the journey will appreciate the activities and commentary too (I particularly liked the veiled calling out of opportunist scammers towards the end of the text, but realize that some readers may need a more exact list of what to look for).
Do the Work! is clearly intended to be a workbook, but in this era of ebooks, I worry that this one will not translate clearly due to the fold-out activities and lift-the-flap. That is my sole concern, and I see it as a minor one.
I can't wait for this one to come out so that I can suggest it to my book club in tandem with other texts.
Do the Work! is clearly intended to be a workbook, but in this era of ebooks, I worry that this one will not translate clearly due to the fold-out activities and lift-the-flap. That is my sole concern, and I see it as a minor one.
I can't wait for this one to come out so that I can suggest it to my book club in tandem with other texts.
blklitmagic's review
5.0
WOW!
I've been doing social justice work for close to 7 years now and I wish I had this when I was just starting out. The way the authors use dialogue and activity makes my educator's heart sing. They make it relatable while also not holding back from the truthful reality that is racism and white supremacy.
They cover a range of topics and always make sure to show their relevance to today. Also tips and tricks to dealing with people but most importantly working on yourself and they highlight a bunch of people and resources that people can use making me feel like this is a one-stop shop, though they encourage the reader to read more!
For anyone who is actually trying to do the work, and might just have a lot of questions as to how this is for you.
I've been doing social justice work for close to 7 years now and I wish I had this when I was just starting out. The way the authors use dialogue and activity makes my educator's heart sing. They make it relatable while also not holding back from the truthful reality that is racism and white supremacy.
They cover a range of topics and always make sure to show their relevance to today. Also tips and tricks to dealing with people but most importantly working on yourself and they highlight a bunch of people and resources that people can use making me feel like this is a one-stop shop, though they encourage the reader to read more!
For anyone who is actually trying to do the work, and might just have a lot of questions as to how this is for you.
kshertz's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.5
It’s an activity book where you learn in a variety of modalities. It’s a commitment but it’s so so worth it. Crosswords, word searches, coloring pages, and so many coloring pages. It was fantastic as a learning experience. I want to give one to every white person I know and make them do the work! It’s so amazing and I think it’s great for nonreaders to really access materials to become anti-racist. Highly highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deportation, Forced institutionalization, Slavery, Classism, Colonisation, Racism, Violence, Cultural appropriation, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Police brutality, Child death, Gaslighting, Gun violence, and Racial slurs
thereaderfriend's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Although I've read and completed this workbook, the work is only getting started. Highly recommend this essential, informative, interactive workbook. Tons of information and resources wrapped in here. Thanks to the authors, the editors, designers, Workman publishing, Tandem Global Collective, and everyone else who got me this copy and invited me to study and review it. Truly an honor and privilege. <3
bookish_baker_'s review
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A must own tool for antiracism
mriou310's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Workman for giving me an e-arc of this book.
This book is important but this book did not work for me.
1. eBook was not the way to go for this. This is a workbook, which implies that it wants to be written in and torn up...could not fully interact as intended with the media that I was given.
2. The book's tone was slightly condescending; the sarcasm did not work. I felt like being talked down to which made me angry and not want to listen. I have read other articles, books and listened to people talking about similar histories and advice, that tone was better. I know the authors state that I should not be defensive when the topic of race comes up, but I need to be treated like a functioning adult.
3. The authors state this book is for everyone, however, I disagree. My education and training to be a teacher cover many of these topics. This circles back to issue number 2. The authors also suggest reading and doing the activities as a family, but I would only do that with a mature middle schooler or a high school student. There are many other books geared at the elementary student.
4. The activities were fun and interactive. I could see enjoying them if I had a physical copy but since I didn't I can't give it 4 stars.
biblio_kel's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
"Do the Work!" is an interactive workbook that helps readers to recognise privilege and systemic racism.
The book has a clear focus on the United States of America so several of the activities and situations noted weren't known to me and/or relevant to my country, HOWEVER, I still found this book to be extremely relevant and useful.
In order to get the best outcome from this book, people, in particular white people, will need to put aside their defensiveness and be open to accepting that we don't have to be actively racist in order to promote racist systems and beliefs.
The format is exciting and engaging and will appeal to a lot of young adult readers. I personally found it too busy and chaotic for myself but I believe it will be very appealing to many.
I really loved all the further reading recommendations shared throughout the book and the "Do the Work" boxes that give suggestions on how to be actively anti-racist.
Thank you to NetGalley, Workman Publishing Company, and W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz for giving me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book has a clear focus on the United States of America so several of the activities and situations noted weren't known to me and/or relevant to my country, HOWEVER, I still found this book to be extremely relevant and useful.
In order to get the best outcome from this book, people, in particular white people, will need to put aside their defensiveness and be open to accepting that we don't have to be actively racist in order to promote racist systems and beliefs.
The format is exciting and engaging and will appeal to a lot of young adult readers. I personally found it too busy and chaotic for myself but I believe it will be very appealing to many.
I really loved all the further reading recommendations shared throughout the book and the "Do the Work" boxes that give suggestions on how to be actively anti-racist.
Thank you to NetGalley, Workman Publishing Company, and W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz for giving me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.