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Being an Ally
This book is for everyone. Because we can all be allies.
As an ally you use your power - no matter how big or small - to support others. You learn, and try, and mess up, and try harder. In this collection of true stories, 7 critically acclaimed and bestselling YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers.
These authors share their truths. They invite you to think about your own experiences and choices and how to be a better ally.
There are no easy answers, but this book helps you ask better questions. Because we're all in this together. And we all need allies.
As an ally you use your power - no matter how big or small - to support others. You learn, and try, and mess up, and try harder. In this collection of true stories, 7 critically acclaimed and bestselling YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers.
These authors share their truths. They invite you to think about your own experiences and choices and how to be a better ally.
There are no easy answers, but this book helps you ask better questions. Because we're all in this together. And we all need allies.
- GenresNonfictionLGBT
96 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2023
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 5, 2023
oh hey i'm in this, and so are 5 much cooler people than i!
June 1, 2023
Quick and accessible read with multiple perspectives and first-hand experiences. Nothing groundbreaking but an important reminder. Read it in one go.
March 27, 2024
really interesting to see different point of views and story’s
April 7, 2024
Very helpful for a 50 year old teacher trying to treat pupils (and people) in the most respectful way. Interesting stories which have definitely made me feel more equipped about being a better ally.
May 22, 2025
i generally seem to hate collected essays and short stories but these ones are important. now to find ways to gift this book to friends and especially family without them taking it as an insult
March 9, 2023
It was insightful to read a range of experiences.
May 15, 2023
Really good! Nothing groundbreaking per se but I did learn some new things and resonated with some of the authors!
Also appreciated the voice of a Caribbean author. I had a similar experience as the author of Travel Logs of a Black Caribbean Woman: Embracing the Glitches, Shakirah! Going from being in the majority (born and raised in Saint Lucia, to being in the minority living in the UK, you become VERY aware of your blackness. I've been here almost 6 years now, and sometimes wonder if someone doesn't sit next to me on the bus because of the colour of my skin - jokes on them though, cause I don't like people sitting next to me anyway!
Don't want to make this review too long, but I really felt represented - first the story of a fellow West Indian, then the chapter on stammers. Though it's MUCH better now, mainly through having to put myself out there, when I was younger, the thought of speaking out loud would sometimes make me feel sick!! Let's not talk about the feeling of being CHOKED by words that don't come out!! It still stresses me out when I have to speak in certain crowds, but we move!
Also appreciated the voice of a Caribbean author. I had a similar experience as the author of Travel Logs of a Black Caribbean Woman: Embracing the Glitches, Shakirah! Going from being in the majority (born and raised in Saint Lucia, to being in the minority living in the UK, you become VERY aware of your blackness. I've been here almost 6 years now, and sometimes wonder if someone doesn't sit next to me on the bus because of the colour of my skin - jokes on them though, cause I don't like people sitting next to me anyway!
Don't want to make this review too long, but I really felt represented - first the story of a fellow West Indian, then the chapter on stammers. Though it's MUCH better now, mainly through having to put myself out there, when I was younger, the thought of speaking out loud would sometimes make me feel sick!! Let's not talk about the feeling of being CHOKED by words that don't come out!! It still stresses me out when I have to speak in certain crowds, but we move!
September 6, 2023
Thoughts:
This is such a good guide to being an ally to many different types of marginalised groups. It introduces the issues of discrimination in a sensitive way and is very responsible in using own voices to explain these issues rather than having someone who doesn’t experience it risking becoming condescending.
Favourite Quote:
"The term ally has become a common way to talk about the responsibilities we have to shop up and support each other, and in particular for those with privilege to show up and support people and communities that are systematically oppressed. But not everyone thinks it's a great word. Some argue that too many people claim the label without doing the work. Others say it doesn't go far enough, and that allies might empathise with and support individuals, but they aren't doing the hard, sometimes dangerous work of breaking down oppressive systems. There are those who say we need accomplices, not alles, to really make change."
This is such a good guide to being an ally to many different types of marginalised groups. It introduces the issues of discrimination in a sensitive way and is very responsible in using own voices to explain these issues rather than having someone who doesn’t experience it risking becoming condescending.
Favourite Quote:
"The term ally has become a common way to talk about the responsibilities we have to shop up and support each other, and in particular for those with privilege to show up and support people and communities that are systematically oppressed. But not everyone thinks it's a great word. Some argue that too many people claim the label without doing the work. Others say it doesn't go far enough, and that allies might empathise with and support individuals, but they aren't doing the hard, sometimes dangerous work of breaking down oppressive systems. There are those who say we need accomplices, not alles, to really make change."
dnf
May 27, 2025This was a very short book—a collection of essays and thought pieces about the concept of being an ally and how to support others in different situations. I’m really glad this book exists because it gives people the language to stand up for others, which is important. However, since I’m already very interested in this topic, it didn’t really teach me anything new. Despite its brevity, I found myself putting it down frequently and just didn’t feel compelled to finish it. So, I decided to move on.
February 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this. Some super valuable and digestible information on being an ally in all ways, for all different kinds of people and what that can mean for you as an individual and how best to be an ally for that individual person.
Such a powerful book - so glad it was an option for World Book Day a couple years ago, as these sort of resources need to be in the hands of the next generations!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
Such a powerful book - so glad it was an option for World Book Day a couple years ago, as these sort of resources need to be in the hands of the next generations!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
September 23, 2025
bite-sized, genuine, with doses of frank realism (you will get it wrong) & first-person accounts of how everyday discrimination looks & feels to people in marginalized bodies. smash bystander syndrome
March 14, 2023
An interesting and eye-opening collection of short essays on allyship.
March 20, 2023
A really interesting little read about being an ally and what an ally can look like. Really made me think and consider how I act in certain situations.
May 20, 2023
Review on The Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
July 15, 2023
Another book that everyone should read!
July 30, 2023
A nice easy read, but still impactful. A great reminder on how allyship looks/should look in action.
February 20, 2025
I enjoyed the mix of voices in this book, it gave me a lot to think about in my actions, and how being an ally for different populations requires constant research and self-reflection.
February 24, 2025
Quick and easily accessible read about being an ally to different groups of people.
August 21, 2025
Really accessible with real world stories to help you be the best ally you can be.
August 10, 2024
The first essay jumpscared me a bit but overall what a cute book!! Lovely essays.
April 30, 2023
I thought this book was great!
It was really insightful and taught me of others experiences. I'd really recommend it since its a quick read for those who might not have time to read a longer version
It was really insightful and taught me of others experiences. I'd really recommend it since its a quick read for those who might not have time to read a longer version
September 2, 2024
Simple but important and powerful read. The world would probably be a better place if everyone read this book, honestly.
May 26, 2023
March book-
This was a last minute book for march and its probably the best book ive ever read and i read it in 2 hours and plus extra points for being free.
See you guys next month
This was a last minute book for march and its probably the best book ive ever read and i read it in 2 hours and plus extra points for being free.
See you guys next month
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews