Goodnight Racism

April 15, 2022
An anti-racist bedtime book for young dreamers. While Kendi may be best known for his books for adults, this foray into writing for young readers is not his first. Like Antiracist Baby before it, this picture book seeks to engage young readers with the language and ideals of anti-racism through words and pictures that can spark meaningful conversations between adults and children. In perhaps a nod to Margaret Wise Brown's classic Goodnight Moon, the text begins with a moon shining light over all the children of the world. The moon knows that "when we sleep we dream." In this context, the dream is one of "a world where all people are safe, / no matter how they look, // how they worship, // or how they love." Accompanying digital illustrations, which have a soft yet solid cartoon style similar to that of some of Joe Cepeda's picture-book art, depict children and adults with varied skin tones and include some groups that can be read as queer families. Concluding pages take on a tone of finality that bids goodnight once and for all to unfair rules, cruelty, injustice, inequality, hate, hurt, and racism, making way for a new tomorrow. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An inspiring read to help realize dreams for a better future for all. (Picture book. 3-8)

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June 17, 2022

K-Gr 3-Kendi's (Antiracist Baby) new picture book for children young and old is a goodnight book from the moon's point of view. She wants to shine her light on everyone, and she does. We see families from around the world eating, spending time together, and getting ready for bed. Although there are injustices in the world, which the narrative points out (some kids do not have food, do not have beds), the hope is that children go to sleep feeling loved (there is a hug at the end of the book) and wake up in a world where unfair rules, injustice, and racism don't exist. Children are shown voicing their concerns and behaving in ways that will help end to inequality. VERDICT This book is a beautifully illustrated introduction to social justice. Its message of hope and positivity will resonate with children who want to make the world a better place, and encourage them to think of others who live in this world.-Tanya Boudreau

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 10, 2022
Kendi’s inclusive narrative expands beyond bedtime, depicting the moon as an equitable orb observing children the world over. Some of these children “do not have food,/ do not have beds/ because of unfair rules/ and unjust treatment.” But the moon “sees all kids—/whoever they are,/ wherever they are” and longs for “her light/ to kiss every child goodnight,” engendering sleep that results in dreams of possibilities: “A world where all people are safe,/ no matter how they look,// how they worship,//or how they love.” Bayoc’s jewel-toned digital art mimics oil pastel saturations, showing images of people of myriad abilities, ages, body types, and skin tones in varied living situations. In simple, affirming prose, Kendi’s call is a socially responsible send-off to sweeter dreams of a world “where all kids have the same chance/ to have peace,/ to have joy,/ to have a childhood.” Ages 3–7.