Not Talking about You

  • Interest Level: Grade 9 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 6

Khalil, a young Black boy, starts at a new school and is excited to join the basketball team—until he begins to experience and witnesses subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism among his new teammates. Khalil struggles with how to react and stand up for himself and others against his new friends who have taken him in.

Kevin heronJones has written this book to reflect his and other young Black people’s experiences with racism in school. Not Talking About You portrays racism as it occurs amongst young people today and explores the impact on the target and bystanders who have to decide how to react when they find racist youth in their midst.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4594-1707-6
$9.99
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Interest Level Grade 9 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 6
Genre Young Adult
Category Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Class, Diversity
Copyright 2023
Publisher James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
Imprint Lorimer Children & Teens
Language English
Number of Pages 128
Publication Date 2023-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS YAF058190, YAF058030, YAF058020
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
Lexile 730
Features Author/Illustrator biography and Reviewed

Author: Kevin heronJones

Kevin heronJones is a youth basketball coach, journalist, actor, lecturer, and award-winning performance poet. His poetry book titles include Vision, I AM a Child of the SUN, and Telephone Love. He lives in Milton, Ontario.

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Reviews

School Library Journal

“A compelling read for basketball fans with a powerful message about the persistence of racial bigotry. Recommended for libraries serving middle schoolers.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

The straightforward language and conversational tone make it a good choice for reluctant readers. An accessible work, ideal for starting discussions on navigating racial bias and stereotyping."—Kirkus Reviews