The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random Children’s House for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.This was one of my favorites reads of all time, at only one hundred and thirty pages. The many authors that contributed to this compilation of stories gave insight into conversations that take place in homes of immigrants and minorities around the country. “The Talk” opens the door to an understanding that can allow people to begin to look at the world from a more anti-racist view. The stories are not heavy handed or forceful. You can tell in the writing alone that they are written out of love and truth, their truth.As a woman of color who has had “The Talk” with my own parents and later with my own children, reading this book made me feel validated. I finally felt as if I wasn’t the only one that needed to inform and be informed about what the world may throw our way simply due to our race. It is a balancing act of loving your race and the skin you’re in, while trying to understand why so many hate you because of it.The thing I loved the most about this book (other than everything), is it is a read that can be digested and understood for the youngest of children to the oldest of adults. As our country tries to come to grips with the inequalities that people of color face, books such as this need to be out there in the forefront teaching all of us a better way. Making us realize that until we begin to see the heart of a person before their race and economic status we can’t fully become a truly great nation. As a librarian, I would love to see this book become required reading in schools across the country. My hope would be that it could help even our youngest understand the work that needs to be done to better race relations in America.HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any and all ages.

Wade and Cheryl Hudson have been publishing and writing excellent books for children of color for over 30 years, and this is no exception. This anthology with 30 contributors and interesting illustrations is an easy read. Having a broad range of writers with a variety of writing styles, this is a must have to add to your home, classroom and school library. In the midst of what’s going on in our world today, this book is right on time! Being African American, I am aware of THE TALK our parents have with our kids. However, in light of the climate we find ourselves in, there are so many different talks we need to have, not only with our children, but with each other, as well. Starting the conversation can be difficult, so identify the person, take out the book, choose the story, get together, and....have THE TALK!

A great read for parents and youth. Read it together to start or complement your “talk”. The diversity of the cultures represented within the book brings added richness to the content. Most of us can find ourselves, our experiences, or shared emotions in “The Talk” but the book is also a reminder that we are not alone in our struggle. Initially, I purchased “The Talk” as a gift. I decided to keep that copy for myself and purchased several more to spread about the family.

I read this book for a college course and usually hate assigned readings but I am so happy I did. This book was beautiful and such a wonderful read!

This a a great collection of short stories for prompting discussions of race and privilege with students in elementary and up.

I liked everything about this book. The writing are though provoking. Retelling stories from the book, initiated conversations with my friends, my siblings and co-workers.

This book of anti-racist essays was incredibly moving. I’d already read books by about half of the thirty featured authors, so I knew it would be great. However, it was so beautifully written and I couldn’t get enough. Readers will come face to face with powerful voices acknowledging that we live in a racist world and revealing what that often looks like in various scenarios. More importantly, the essays make it obvious that we must all take action if we have any hope of lasting change. Nevertheless, it felt less like a “how to” book and more like sitting with a friend and listening to engaging stories from their life. I’m grateful this book is out in the world and I hope it has found a place in homes and libraries of all types! My thanks to Crown Books and to NetGalley for providing a review copy.