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Rise Up!: How You Can Join the Fight Against White Supremacy
Where did racism come from? Why hasn’t it disappeared? And what can young people do about it?
Through vivid narratives and contemporary examples ripped from the headlines, Rise Up! provides young readers with a first-of-its-kind resource for understanding racial injustice and its continued impact on the US today, addressing questions like: Why are white supremacists still openly marching in America? And why are undocumented children of color separated from their families and housed in cages?
Sociologist and critically-acclaimed author Crystal Fleming delivers an in-depth overview of the roots and legacies of racism in the US and offers young people ways in which they can help foster a more just society. With her honest, direct tone, Crystal imparts the knowledge and values that unite all antiracists who wish to join the struggle for equality in the hopes of building a more inclusive world: empathy, respect, and tolerance.
Through vivid narratives and contemporary examples ripped from the headlines, Rise Up! provides young readers with a first-of-its-kind resource for understanding racial injustice and its continued impact on the US today, addressing questions like: Why are white supremacists still openly marching in America? And why are undocumented children of color separated from their families and housed in cages?
Sociologist and critically-acclaimed author Crystal Fleming delivers an in-depth overview of the roots and legacies of racism in the US and offers young people ways in which they can help foster a more just society. With her honest, direct tone, Crystal imparts the knowledge and values that unite all antiracists who wish to join the struggle for equality in the hopes of building a more inclusive world: empathy, respect, and tolerance.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2021
19 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Marie Fleming
4 books189 followersCrystal Marie Fleming, PhD, is a writer and sociologist who researches racism in the United States and abroad. She earned degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and is associate professor of sociology and Africana studies at Stony Brook University. Fleming writes about race, sexuality, and politics for publications including The Root, Black Agenda Report, Vox, and Everyday Feminism, and she has tens of thousands of followers on social media. She is the author of Resurrecting Slavery: Racial Legacies and White Supremacy in France.
Photo credit: Nicole Mondestin Photography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 28, 2021
Rise up starts off with a bang. At first glance it looked like a great match for as it discusses white supremecy and defines the different aspects of white supremacy. The book then switches the focus to slavery and its impact to how the wealth gap has come about. At first it appears that all minorities are to be viewed equally as they cover how colonization supported white supremacy. Once these pages were passed then all the focus was on African American experience ignoring the other minorities that have also explored the effects of the white supremacy.
July 19, 2021
This book gives youth valuable information on how we see the manifestation of white supremacy now with questions to consider and then also taking them on a history journey of many of the key factors/events that led us to where we are now. The vocabulary and level makes the text accessible for youth while giving them a few questions to consider and empowering youth to be/do better.
January 30, 2022
This book is perfect for adults too! While the author specifically addresses young people at several points in the book, and uses examples that will appeal to many young people‘s interests, there is a lot here for adults, a lot here that adults need to read.
This is A clear and concise introduction to the historical roots and social impacts of race and racism, as well as exactly what anti-racism is and how to do it!
This would be a good book to read as an intro to diving deeper into any or all of the topics Dr. Fleming introduces us to.
Speaking of Dr. Fleming, she narrates the audio version of this book and listening to her made me even more excited about learning. Her students are lucky to have her.
This is A clear and concise introduction to the historical roots and social impacts of race and racism, as well as exactly what anti-racism is and how to do it!
This would be a good book to read as an intro to diving deeper into any or all of the topics Dr. Fleming introduces us to.
Speaking of Dr. Fleming, she narrates the audio version of this book and listening to her made me even more excited about learning. Her students are lucky to have her.
June 23, 2023
This book is an excellent introduction to racism and white supremacy in America. It's written for teens, but is not dumbed-down for a younger audience, so it's also perfect as an introduction for adults who want to know more about racism and ways to fight it. It provides plenty of definitions and examples to explain new terms relating to racism and white supremacy, which is very helpful. This book focuses more on the history of racism, white supremacy, and activism rather than specific ways to make a difference, but it is still extraordinarily helpful as a tool to learn more about the injustice that surrounds us. Also, the author makes a book about a difficult, historical topic interesting and engaging to read, which is awesome.
December 31, 2024
A very important read- I learned many historical facts I didn’t know plus some action steps for fighting white supremacy.
June 29, 2021
Thank you to Teen Ink and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was only able to read the first four chapters (out of nine), so it is possible that things I didn't see included were present later in the book.
Witty and unflinching Crystal Fleming of How to Be Less Stupid About Race returns with Rise Up!, an introduction to white supremacy and social justice for young readers. Covering foundational terms, the historical roots of oppression for several groups, common misconceptions about race and racism, and the effects of what can seem like abstract concepts in the real world, this book is a solid introduction for young readers with very little familiarity with the language and theory of social justice or white supremacy.
As a very introductory guide, Rise Up! does a thorough job defining terms and explaining how they play out in the real world, and it takes this immense topic at a pace gradual enough not to lose someone reading about these topics for the first time. The book is also careful to deconstruct harmful ideas about race and racism that the reader may already have heard – for example, Fleming carefully explains why not talking about race would in fact be counterproductive to reaching a more just society. However, for anyone with a basic familiarity with these topics, the book is unlikely to provide new information or perspectives.
Rise Up! also has a few issues with scope. The book goes into depth about the historical background of inequity against Native American and Black people, but – of what I was able to read – doesn’t include anywhere near the same level of background about, for example, the Latinx community. While the stories of the former two groups are, of course, deeply important to understanding white supremacy in the United States, the overall effect was that Rise Up! had tried to include more depth than it had room for and felt somewhat unbalanced as a result. It seemed that it might have been more effective to focus in on one particular group, at least when going in depth about the historical foundation of the oppression they face in modern times.
Unfortunately, what I was able to read of this book also fell through on its promise to arm young readers with tools to dismantle these systems. Aside from a few questions at the end of first chapters to analyze one’s own biases, Rise Up! is much more of an informational introduction than an actionable toolkit to deconstruct white supremacy. This would have been fine if the book hadn’t marketed itself so strongly as the latter, especially given how many times these supposedly forthcoming tools were mentioned in the introduction.
As a basic introduction to the theory and reality of white supremacy and social justice, Rise Up! is a good starting point for young readers. Those with any prior familiarity or seeking concrete steps and tools for change, though, are better off looking elsewhere (I recommend Fleming's other book, How to Be Less Stupid About Race).
Witty and unflinching Crystal Fleming of How to Be Less Stupid About Race returns with Rise Up!, an introduction to white supremacy and social justice for young readers. Covering foundational terms, the historical roots of oppression for several groups, common misconceptions about race and racism, and the effects of what can seem like abstract concepts in the real world, this book is a solid introduction for young readers with very little familiarity with the language and theory of social justice or white supremacy.
As a very introductory guide, Rise Up! does a thorough job defining terms and explaining how they play out in the real world, and it takes this immense topic at a pace gradual enough not to lose someone reading about these topics for the first time. The book is also careful to deconstruct harmful ideas about race and racism that the reader may already have heard – for example, Fleming carefully explains why not talking about race would in fact be counterproductive to reaching a more just society. However, for anyone with a basic familiarity with these topics, the book is unlikely to provide new information or perspectives.
Rise Up! also has a few issues with scope. The book goes into depth about the historical background of inequity against Native American and Black people, but – of what I was able to read – doesn’t include anywhere near the same level of background about, for example, the Latinx community. While the stories of the former two groups are, of course, deeply important to understanding white supremacy in the United States, the overall effect was that Rise Up! had tried to include more depth than it had room for and felt somewhat unbalanced as a result. It seemed that it might have been more effective to focus in on one particular group, at least when going in depth about the historical foundation of the oppression they face in modern times.
Unfortunately, what I was able to read of this book also fell through on its promise to arm young readers with tools to dismantle these systems. Aside from a few questions at the end of first chapters to analyze one’s own biases, Rise Up! is much more of an informational introduction than an actionable toolkit to deconstruct white supremacy. This would have been fine if the book hadn’t marketed itself so strongly as the latter, especially given how many times these supposedly forthcoming tools were mentioned in the introduction.
As a basic introduction to the theory and reality of white supremacy and social justice, Rise Up! is a good starting point for young readers. Those with any prior familiarity or seeking concrete steps and tools for change, though, are better off looking elsewhere (I recommend Fleming's other book, How to Be Less Stupid About Race).
January 27, 2022
3.5 stars
This book is both an informational text about the history of white supremacy, what it is, how it manifests today, including what racism is, as well as a call to action for all people but especially today's youth to rise up against the systems and supremacy taking place around them on a daily basis. The end of the book has a 5 step action plan that includes steps like make a lifelong commitment to antiracism, to get political, to speak up, etc.
The best part of this book was that it addresses racism against all races instead of focusing on injustices against just Blacks or just Native Americans. The comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of that is an important aspect of this work.
Useful for grades 4 and up
*Similar to Stamped (Reynolds) but not as engaging.
This book is both an informational text about the history of white supremacy, what it is, how it manifests today, including what racism is, as well as a call to action for all people but especially today's youth to rise up against the systems and supremacy taking place around them on a daily basis. The end of the book has a 5 step action plan that includes steps like make a lifelong commitment to antiracism, to get political, to speak up, etc.
The best part of this book was that it addresses racism against all races instead of focusing on injustices against just Blacks or just Native Americans. The comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of that is an important aspect of this work.
Useful for grades 4 and up
*Similar to Stamped (Reynolds) but not as engaging.
January 27, 2022
This volume is incredibly readable; short, to the point, and yet incredibly detailed for its length. Written for teens, this is a valuable resource for people of any age who want to know how racism developed, who benefits from it, how to work against it, and why being color-blind is not sufficient in the face of institutional racism. Those who have an understanding of the history that underlies racism and how it was used to justify transatlantic slavery will recognize that the key points have been distilled into this volume; those who are new to the ideas presented will come away with a solid understanding of the history and ongoing issues that impact all levels of society.
I want to say that this volume was easy to read, and in terms of how the information was presented, it was: it is clear and concise, and written in easily-accessible language appropriate to middle school, while not minimizing the issues or using simplified language. In terms of the concepts presented, however, "easy" is not an appropriate term. This is a volume that invites discussion, and while it can be read in a few hours, many people may find it beneficial to read one chapter, discuss the contents, let the ideas digest for a while, and then repeat with each chapter. This is a text that invites discussion, and I strongly recommend it for use within the school setting, as well as by parents who want to introduce the history that underlies these concepts to their teens in understandable and digestible pieces.
I want to say that this volume was easy to read, and in terms of how the information was presented, it was: it is clear and concise, and written in easily-accessible language appropriate to middle school, while not minimizing the issues or using simplified language. In terms of the concepts presented, however, "easy" is not an appropriate term. This is a volume that invites discussion, and while it can be read in a few hours, many people may find it beneficial to read one chapter, discuss the contents, let the ideas digest for a while, and then repeat with each chapter. This is a text that invites discussion, and I strongly recommend it for use within the school setting, as well as by parents who want to introduce the history that underlies these concepts to their teens in understandable and digestible pieces.
February 1, 2023
A very readable introduction to the concept of white supremacy and how it effects our society on multiple levels. I appreciated the accessibility of the information and the inclusion of groups other than African Americans (although this book definitely didn't go into any great depth on any group other than African Americans). Fleming made a lot of unproven assertions (that I believed because they made sense, but the references in the back weren't always detailed enough to know for sure how reliable they are). There was an extensive notes section in the back and had the references she listed that I checked been more impartial, it would have lent more credibility to what she was saying. For example, she listed other activists as her source several times on things that should be actual facts (like statistics). It would have been far better to list the actual study the activist was referencing so the reader knows that the information is unbiased and accurate. When your source is obviously biased one direction or another, your argument cannot be taken at face value. So, this one gets 3 stars from me instead of 4. Still, it's worth your time as an introduction and a call to activism. I particularly appreciated the 5 steps in the back of practical steps readers can take to fight white supremacy.
October 15, 2023
A fantastic read for anyone but especially young adults and teens. From the tiny casual things people grow up with thinking and saying as if they were normal to how media has long been pushing those same racist ideas, and how we can start acknowledging those things when we see them.
We get to hear about the long lasting affects of PTSD black Americans experience from the systemic racism they experience as well as a genuine acknowledgement of the horrors Asian Americans experienced leading up to and during the internment after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the anti-asian sentiment that is still perpetuated. An honest discussion about the way native Americans are still treated, it covers a huge swath of the experiences of people of color.
The best part is how engaging it is written. Discussion questions are scattered naturally through forcing the reader to engage and think critically while reading and unearth any possible internalized racism that the reader may still have to unlearn.
We get to hear about the long lasting affects of PTSD black Americans experience from the systemic racism they experience as well as a genuine acknowledgement of the horrors Asian Americans experienced leading up to and during the internment after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the anti-asian sentiment that is still perpetuated. An honest discussion about the way native Americans are still treated, it covers a huge swath of the experiences of people of color.
The best part is how engaging it is written. Discussion questions are scattered naturally through forcing the reader to engage and think critically while reading and unearth any possible internalized racism that the reader may still have to unlearn.
October 17, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
This was a good introduction to the history of racism and white supremacy in the US. I think it would be a great resource for middle and high school students. The title is a bit misleading because it's not so much a how-to guide as a history/sociology book. It covers the history of white supremacy, the genocide of Native Americans in the US, and slavery in the US. And it doesn't gloss over those topics like is usually done in school. It provides just enough information to make curious readers want to research even more. Fleming also ties the history of these topics into today and does a good job of explaining how while white supremacy has a long history in the US, it's by no means a thing of the past.
This was a good introduction to the history of racism and white supremacy in the US. I think it would be a great resource for middle and high school students. The title is a bit misleading because it's not so much a how-to guide as a history/sociology book. It covers the history of white supremacy, the genocide of Native Americans in the US, and slavery in the US. And it doesn't gloss over those topics like is usually done in school. It provides just enough information to make curious readers want to research even more. Fleming also ties the history of these topics into today and does a good job of explaining how while white supremacy has a long history in the US, it's by no means a thing of the past.
October 18, 2021
This book studies the history of racism within the United States. Racism is described within as a notion that one race is inherently better than another, with White Supremacy being the major racist belief in the United States.
While reading this book, I felt very uncomfortable. I think that Fleming was aiming to challenge what you have been taught concerning race and help you to overcome these beliefs when they are unfounded. This book is a great resource for any young person who is wondering what to do to help fight racism. It not only defines what racism is (and is not) but also helps the reader to identify racism, both within themselves and with others.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
While reading this book, I felt very uncomfortable. I think that Fleming was aiming to challenge what you have been taught concerning race and help you to overcome these beliefs when they are unfounded. This book is a great resource for any young person who is wondering what to do to help fight racism. It not only defines what racism is (and is not) but also helps the reader to identify racism, both within themselves and with others.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
December 19, 2025
This book is fantastic. I don't even care that it's geared to young adults/teens for some reason. There is so much knowledge here, chapter after chapter, & it makes you think. So important for people to read books like this. I would say the only issue I have w/ it & why I gave it four not five stars has to do with the terminology being used. For some reason, the author decides to lump together Latino/a/x with Hispanic. That is 100% inaccurate & am actually offended by that. For some reason the author doesn't know to actually write about the difference between those terms & it's pretty shameful. Other than that big misstep from the author, this book is pretty impactful. So go ahead & read & share, but make note that Hispanic & Latino/a/x are different, so please do your homework.
February 8, 2022
This non-fiction guide takes the reader through an in-depth overview of the roots and legacies of racism in the U.S. while offering ways for teens to foster a more just society. It focuses the various groups of people that White Supremacy has and still does oppress giving the background on how the suppression/colonization/etc. started. A great read if you want to join the fight against white supremacy.
The best part of this book is it's inclusion of different groups of people. Rather than just focusing on one group that White Supremacists affect it works to show many of the groups and the ways in which they are affected. A good non-fiction read for someone interested in social justice.
The best part of this book is it's inclusion of different groups of people. Rather than just focusing on one group that White Supremacists affect it works to show many of the groups and the ways in which they are affected. A good non-fiction read for someone interested in social justice.
December 12, 2022
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), and NetGalley for a review copy of Rise Up!
I received my review copy of this book quite a while ago and just got around to reading it. That was a huge mistake on my part because this book is EXCELLENT! It definitely deserves a spot in every library serving teen and adult readers. Although it's classified as YA, adults are sure to learn a lot from it. It is packed with information on the history of white supremacy that explains how we got to where we are today. It is a history of racism in America as well as throughout the world, but it's very engaging. I really enjoyed Fleming's writing style. Be sure to pick this one up if you are interested in social justice and antiracism.
I received my review copy of this book quite a while ago and just got around to reading it. That was a huge mistake on my part because this book is EXCELLENT! It definitely deserves a spot in every library serving teen and adult readers. Although it's classified as YA, adults are sure to learn a lot from it. It is packed with information on the history of white supremacy that explains how we got to where we are today. It is a history of racism in America as well as throughout the world, but it's very engaging. I really enjoyed Fleming's writing style. Be sure to pick this one up if you are interested in social justice and antiracism.
October 19, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
This is a great book highlighting the history of racism, while also touching on the present, and what we as individuals can do to create a better future. While this book, like many out there, does have a heavy focus on the experiences of Black people, I can understand that as the author herself is Black, and of course the book is going to be primarily about the issues most relevant to her, although she did try to touch on anti-Asian sentiment and Native American genocide.
This is a great book highlighting the history of racism, while also touching on the present, and what we as individuals can do to create a better future. While this book, like many out there, does have a heavy focus on the experiences of Black people, I can understand that as the author herself is Black, and of course the book is going to be primarily about the issues most relevant to her, although she did try to touch on anti-Asian sentiment and Native American genocide.
February 19, 2022
This is a very important book for every middle and high school library. Although not an engrossing page-turner, it does have fascinating stories to support the author's 5 steps to create antiracist change. I learned things about P.T. Barnum and Tamir Rice that I did not know before. The examples the author uses often involve Native Americans, Asians and other minorities even though the author is Black. I like the emphasis on supporting intersectional justice--"our antiracist advocacy should be inclusive of many different kinds of communities."
May 22, 2024
This book talks directly to young people, so the language is very understandable and clear. Since young people are the target of the book, it also describes more 'obvious' concepts. Anyway, whatever many (or not many) may consider certain things as obvious, it gives a great overview for those who don't know (much), but also for those who know more and want to have structured thoughts on the matter. The author describes how racism and white supremacy were born and how they affect people's lives from politics, to sports, and so on, by also giving past and nowadays examples.
November 20, 2021
Fantastic! Clear, concise, engaging, and inspiring. Great intro to racism for young readers and for anyone wanting a quick overview of the current events and why the conversation and controversy around race continues, and matters.
November 22, 2021
A must-have in any classroom library. I have a sticker in my computer that says, "Read books and dismantle systems of oppression." This book will help you become aware of some of these systems of oppression and will most definitely inspire you to fight to dismantle them.
April 7, 2022
Even though tis is a young readers book, the information contained should be for all of us. Having recently read How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith and Sisters in arms, I am coming to terms with my views about race.
October 8, 2022
Some important information about the background of racism and its impact on today's society. I think the approach is such that it won't help persuade people to join the cause, and that makes me think it's not a good fit for my building.
September 13, 2024
Another book on banned book lists. That is why I read it. Well-written for YA and adults. Filled with information about racism, America and white supremacy. I’m sure there are people who would object to the topic and information… sadly.
Want to read
March 25, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
December 16, 2021
great book for teachers to use in teaching about race, racism and white supremacy.
March 11, 2022
2.5 stars
Read
November 10, 2023assigned to read it for class, meant to finish it but other stuff got in the way. maybe i'll return to it someday
October 29, 2021
Crystal Fleming's book should be required reading for middle school students. Fleming writes the history of white privilege and how we got to where we are today in clear and understandable terms. The book is encouraging and practical for the reader. Fleming provides real world examples of how young activists can truly change the world. I'd recommend this book for all libraries!
November 13, 2021
Wow! This is a must read book. While it’s targeted for teenagers/youth, adults would have much to gain by reading it as well. Dr. Fleming has a gift for being able to explain and break down complex ideas about racism and white supremacy in a manner that can be more easily grasped by the reader. The book is well organized and gives case examples to help the reader understand concepts in practice. I felt immediately engaged with the material and it was definitely a book that’s hard to put down once you start reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews