THE BLACK FRIEND: ON BEING A BETTER WHITE PERSON by Frederick Joseph has a colorful, engaging cover and the text is equally open and welcoming. Joseph uses bold typeface for certain words and phrases (e.g., white privilege) and defines them in the reader's “very own Encyclopedia of Racism” in an effort to increase understanding. He acknowledges that the book is “aimed primarily” at white people who want to do better, given “there’s a good chance you’re not as decent as you think.” He favors a humorous, conversational tone, includes stories from his youth, and writes in an accessible, although sometimes strangely opinionated (calling date loaf disgusting?) manner. Joseph has incorporated input from other writers like Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give). And a nice feature of this text is the Appendix: “People and Things to Know” which offers lists of people to know, books to read and movies or shows to watch. There is also a Black Friend Playlist and helpful source notes. Aimed at middle school readers and older, THE BLACK FRIEND: ON BEING A BETTER WHITE PERSON received starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.
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