What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions

What Is... And Other Big Questions

by Claire L. Heuchan, Nikesh Shukla

Talk about race is often discouraged, but this book aims to bring everyone into the conversation. It explores the history of race and society, giving context to how racist attitudes come into being. It looks at belonging and identity, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation. The authors talk sensiitively about how to identify and challenge racism and how to protect against and stop racist behaviour.

Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Parenting

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2018

About the author

Claire Heuchan, a Black radical feminist from Scotland, is the award winning blogger Sister Outrider. She is an essayist and feminist theorist, her work exploring themes of power, identity, and liberation politics. Claire achieved an MLitt in Gender Studies at the University of Stirling, which informs her theorising alongside 25 years of experience inhabiting this world in a body that is Black and female.

On top of blogging as Sister Outrider, Claire has essays featured in a growing range of books – including the feminist anthology Nasty Women. Claire is currently writing her first book for children in collaboration with Nikesh Shukla: What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions.

Claire is a proud contributor for AfterEllen, and has been published by platforms including the Guardian, OpenDemocracy 50:50, Glamour, Heat Street, Media Diversified, and Feminist Current. Her writing has resulted in Claire being invited to speak at conferences and symposiums around the UK.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could be a bit biased with the 5 star rating, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Kirsty Chatwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book pitched perfectly at a young audience. School libraries should be required to have copies & I hope it gets used as a mandatory text in teaching communities in primary schools.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't at all a bad book in my opinion. It's a great 'starter'. I think in that case, it's a great recommendation for younger children. Maybe even young boys as the book tends to tip toe around actually addressing the historic and present crimes of masculinity.

And that has a place! I was just a bit disappointed that Claire's bio says she ascribes to radical feminism and there is the complete opposite in this particular book. I'd be open to reading anything she has for a more mature audience.

[Dr. Hyenas · Rating 1 out of 5]

A wonderful book written by a racist for other racists.
If you're a racist this is obligatory reading. It will give you new insights on how to use the "race card" to get what you want, or get out of trouble. An excellent manual for the modern deviant! WELL DONE!

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Heuchan is an award-winning feminist blogger and author and Nikesh Shukla a writer, editor and co-founded of The Good Journal and Good Literary Agency. In this necessary, fascinating and thought-provoking must-read non-fiction book for children aged 10+ they aim to start a conversation about race and racism and why it’s important to identify and challenge racist behaviour and include moving personal experiences from guest contributors.

[Nilla Tama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this book to be must-read for everyone in the world. The same thing could be said about almost every discrimination, sexism etc.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a place to start to understand why race is important or want to start the conversation with your children I think this is a really great place to start. The personal experiences shared in this book really show how racism can hurt people and the essays answering some common questions are really helpful too. 

[shivs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No amount of wealth, fame, or status can completely shelter a person of colour from racism. Ignoring racism doesn’t make it go away, though it might like the easier option. But if we cannot talk about racism, we cannot identify it. If we cannot identify racism, we cannot challenge it. If we cannot challenge racism, nothing about our lives or the society we live in will ever change for the better.”

Okay you read that quote, now reread it. Wow. This book was so powerful! Truly. And whilst, it was quite a short book (about 50 pages), it really made an impact on me. Every page of this book held value and held importance.

I recommend everyone reads this book, whether you are a person of colour or not, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK, as it gives a great insight on what people of colour do face on a regular basis. Just trust me on this and read it. Educate yourselves so that we can move towards eradicating racism, because racism sucks. Well...any form of discrimination sucks.