Audiobook
EUR 0.00
with membership trial

Hardcover
EUR 8.41

Paperback
EUR 9.54

EUR 8.41 with 45 percent savings

List Price: EUR 15.35

No Import Charges & EUR 8.38 Shipping to Netherlands Details

EUR 8.38 delivery Thursday, May 7. Order within 9 hrs 55 mins

Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 6

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

EUR EUR 8.41 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Ships from

Amazon

Sold by

Yakutstore

Returns

FREE 30-day refund/replacement

Gift options

Available at checkout

Available at checkout This item is a gift. Change

Payment

Secure transaction

EUR 7.74

FREE International Returns

100% satisfaction guaranteed. 95% of our books go out in re-used envelopes. This book may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover, but it's like new. The dust cover (if applicable) is intact and pages are clean and not marred by notes. It may have remainder marks on outside edges. THE BOOK SLED is a small family social enterprise that offers hassle-free returns and ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. 95% of our books go out in re-used envelopes. This book may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover, but it's like new. The dust cover (if applicable) is intact and pages are clean and not marred by notes. It may have remainder marks on outside edges. THE BOOK SLED is a small family social enterprise that offers hassle-free returns and ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING. See less

EUR 8.38 delivery Thursday, May 7

Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 6

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

EUR EUR 8.41 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Sold by THE BOOK SLED -- Fastest shipping! and Fulfilled by Amazon.

Add to List

Added to

Unable to add item to List. Please try again.

Other sellers on Amazon

New & Used (33) from EUR1.16

Image Unavailable
Image not available for
Color:

Follow the author

Frederick Joseph

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person Hardcover – December 1, 2020

by Frederick Joseph (Author)

(1,641)

Editors' pick Best Young Adult

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"EUR 8.41","priceAmount":8.41,"currencySymbol":"EUR","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"41","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":true,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xFpCeB5KsFINmk3e1NYRT1V5NsidkJqS0DULRVyiH%2Fca2YO5xAFp%2FnTsp3t3xgjLnIJui0jiP7Epj5D%2Fiah%2FY00gHx6EnJqITiVMC52gTEy%2FxDBHXC6Q9YKSzRQBn%2Fi3qR9GQ0xmaC%2BcXfzuxtRzpRDkIP1FwdulxzS%2BRLNeyKeHq8IMlycG6AvWxI5w8ecN","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"EUR 7.74","priceAmount":7.74,"currencySymbol":"EUR","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"74","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":true,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xFpCeB5KsFINmk3e1NYRT1V5NsidkJqSh7sI4qPZjZkHDPDGy1Vmx1hSFjzUAA0EFHKolPXp1YLB5GRxTzxTFBikh0nR%2FUFjlwwQAe2rMVWjKmc7aQeXo9qHCN9H92kA4wqJru4i9l%2BEQZ00Pd9XvF4y2i55%2B6CZlsztnHs7Ur88O2A9e4cCDw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The instant New York Times bestseller!

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs—creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.

“We don’t see color.” “I didn’t know Black people liked Star Wars!” “What hood are you from?” For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn’t see the negative impact they were having.

Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author’s past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give;April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, “reverse racism” to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former “token Black kid” who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.

Report an issue with this product or seller

Reading age

12 - 17 years
Print length

272 pages
Language

English
Grade level

7 - 9
Dimensions

5.75 x 0.98 x 8.5 inches
Publisher

Candlewick
Publication date

December 1, 2020
ISBN-10

1536217018
ISBN-13

978-1536217018

See all details

The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

This item: The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person

EUR8.41

Get it as soon as Thursday, May 7

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

Sold by Yakutstore and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.

We Alive, Beloved: Poems

EUR7.80

Get it as soon as Thursday, May 7

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

Sold by DAM Books USA and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.

Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

EUR12.28

Only 3 left in stock (more on the way).

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Total price: $00

To see our price, add these items to your cart.

Try again!

Details

Added to Cart

Some of these items ship sooner than the others.

Show details Hide details

Choose items to buy together.

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person
Frederick Joseph

Paperback
EUR9.54
EUR 7.74 shipping
Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School
Tiffany Jewell

Hardcover
EUR11.07
EUR 7.88 shipping
Only 6 left in stock (more on the way).
This Thing of Ours: (A Coming-of-Age Young Adult Novel that Confronts Racism, Classism, Homophobia, and Book Banning)
Frederick Joseph

Hardcover
EUR13.08
EUR 8.38 shipping
Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood
Frederick Joseph

Paperback
EUR12.28
EUR 7.68 shipping
Only 3 left in stock (more on the way).
Planting Hope
Frederick Joseph

Hardcover
EUR14.59
EUR 8.38 shipping
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Dr. Robin DiAngelo

Paperback
EUR7.32
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 6

From the Publisher

anti-racism, ally, Stamped, equality, human rights, Ibram X. Kendi, prejudice, black culture

Advance praise:

Quotes from the book:

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Joseph contextualizes the legacy of racism and white supremacy through the lens of personal experience. Using humor and a conversational tone, he shares memories from his childhood to demonstrate encounters that were annoying, hateful, and even traumatic. Each story highlights how the words or actions of a white person left a lasting impact. There were kids who thought Joseph only liked rap music, a teacher who believed the only way he could get a high grade was by cheating, and police officers who were quick to assume he was the perpetrator. Interviews with influential Black personalities, who describe their thoughts on what white people should understand about Black people and Black culture, are featured throughout. There is a lot to love about this book, but its greatest strength is its ability to provide readers with the knowledge to recognize and understand the many faces of racism. Joseph delves into topics such as microaggressions, stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and affirmative action. He clearly and decisively breaks down the misconceptions surrounding each. The tone occasionally seeps into disappointed teacher territory and is unlikely to win over new allies but, as the introduction states, this text is for young white people who want to be better. Back matter includes "An Encyclopedia of Racism," a playlist, and recommended reading. VERDICT A helpful, commanding guide for white Americans who are ready to learn how to dismantle the system of racism, specifically anti-Blackness, and how they can change. Recommended for all libraries.-Cathy DeCampli, Haddonfield P.L., NJα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

For young white people who want to be better, who want to be anti-racist, who want to be people who are striving to recognize and even take down the structures of racism.
– Ibram X. Kendi, author of Stamped from the Beginning, on NPR’s Morning Edition

With clear, powerful prose and a gentle dose of humor, The Black Friend is essential reading for anyone wishing to be part of a better world. I absolutely loved this book.
—Julie Klam, New York Times best-selling author

The Black Friend is THE book everyone needs to read right now. Frederick Joseph has written an essential window into the movement toward anti-racism. Read it, absorb it, and be changed because of it.
—Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give

For every white person who ever wanted to do better, inside this book, Frederick Joseph offers you both the tools and the chance.
—Jacqueline Woodson, Winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award

Toward the end of The Black Friend, Frederick Joseph writes that his book is ‘a gift, not an obligation.’ I respectfully disagree. This book should be an obligation for white people, especially white parents, because we must raise anti-racist kids who will never be perpetrators of or bystanders to white supremacy and who will never mistake tolerance or appropriation for respect. Don’t skip the painful parts—read every word.
—Chelsea Clinton, author, advocate, and vice chair of the Clinton Foundation

Typically, books on being an antiracist methodically walk readers through systemic racism and its related terminology, but Joseph takes a more personal, and perhaps more effective, approach, sharing stories from his time in school and college to provide cultural history and opportunities for reflection...To reinforce many of his points, Joseph includes interviews with writers, activists, and other influencers from multiple intersections. Finally, he calls on white people to become active accomplices, rather than passive allies, in the fight. Readers can find more explanations of terms and movements in the concluding “Encyclopedia of Racism,” as well as a “The Black Friend Playlist” and "People and Things to Know" roster. A hard-hitting resource for action and change.
—Booklist (starred review)

Gearing this volume toward white people “who want to be better,” Joseph offers anecdotes about his experiences with racism and white supremacy...Interviews with author Angie Thomas, journalist Jemele Hill, and others contribute discussions on the problem with “color blindness” and the importance of personal growth, among various topics. In a genial, assured tone, Joseph invites and encourages readers to reflect on their own behavior, move toward anti-racism, and implement change.
—Publishers Weekly Online (starred review)

Part memoir, part guidebook, this title explores scenarios of interpersonal and institutional struggle to introduce the next generation of White youth to anti-racism...The language strikes a congenial yet firm tone, recognizing that those who have made it this far are to be met with genuine intention; his message is that it’s about becoming better and understanding how your own behavior and knowledge are critical to leveraging the change needed to overhaul oppressive systems. Joseph navigates the sensitivity of such a project and poses a sincere question that challenges the long-held promise of reading amid widespread injustice: “If I show people how they’re hurting others, will some of them be willing to change?” Here’s to many readers digging in to find out. A smartly researched, well-intentioned provocation to inspire change.
—Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Frederick Joseph is a Yonkers, New York–raised two-time New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. His books include the poetry collection We Alive, Beloved; the nonfiction works Patriarchy Blues,The Black Friend,and Better Than We Found It, co-written with Porsche Joseph; the picture book Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith; and the forthcoming YA novel This Thing of Ours. He was recognized with a 2021 International Literacy Association Young Adult Book Award, was named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for marketing and advertising, and is an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Frederick Joseph was also honored with a 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award and the 2018 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, and he was selected for the 2018 Root 100, a list of the most influential African Americans.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important lessons I learned when I was younger was that being a Black person in this world usually means that at some point, you’re going to have to do things you don’t enjoy. Even more important was learning that many of those things are going to include white people.

For me, that has meant spending a lot of my time as an adult discussing white supremacy, white privilege, and the negative aspects of whiteness in general.

If you don’t know what a bolded word or term means, don’t worry: I’ve defined it at the back of the book. Yes, friends: it’s your very own Encyclopedia of Racism.

Anyone who truly knows me would tell you I’d much rather spend my time tweeting about the Lakers, watching rom-coms, or sleeping. But, as I learned a long time ago, there aren’t enough people addressing societal issues, so here I am.

Because of how publicly critical I am of the impact white people have, and have had, on people of color and on the general world around them, some people have gone so far as to say I hate white people.

Honestly, this deeply offends me, as I’ve been to over ten John Mayer concerts and at least two hockey games; there’s no way a person who hates white people willingly attends the two whitest events on earth multiple times.

That said, my one actual problem with white people is that many just don’t have any sense of accountability when it comes to people of color. Accountability not only for the things white people do that often make interacting with them the most frustrating and tumultuous part of our days. But also, accountability for the historic and current inequities and disparities plaguing Black people and people of color as a whole.

Which is why I’ve written this book. Not because of the fame, fortune, and chance to meet Oprah—though those would be pretty dope. But, as a Black person, I speak on behalf of people of color (except those of us on Fox News) when I say: WE HAVE A WHITE PEOPLE PROBLEM.

My aim is to help you go from being a person who is learning and unlearning things about these problems created and perpetuated by white people to someone who actively works to solve them. This is called being an antiracist.

I define antiracists as people who understand that white supremacy isn’t something to empathize with Black and brown people over. It’s a destructive system and existence that white people created, and antiracists are actively trying to end it.

While many believe there is no way to change the problem, because they believe there is no way to change white people, I disagree. Because after sitting with and talking to many white people throughout my life, I’ve come to realize that there are white people who do care and who I believe want to make change. But these same white people often don’t understand the negative impact they are having or how to be better, because many of them have never had the conversations necessary to know this stuff, either in the classroom or outside of it.

Let’s face it: Black people and people of color are taught in school, in the media, and in everyday interactions to be empathetic and understanding of white people and their history. But most white people never have to do the same for us.

You’ll notice I don’t capitalize the w in white when referring to white people, though I capitalize the B when referring to Black people. This is a personal preference, because white people are simply defined by the color of their skin, while Black people are a cultural and ethnic group.

For example, I’ve never met a white person who doesn’t know who Christopher Columbus was (even though he didn’t discover anything). But most white people can’t have an informed conversation about the indigenous people who were already in America and the lingering impact on indigenous people today of so many of their ancestors having been slaughtered by people like Christopher Columbus. Nor do most white people know anything about the white supremacist massacre of Black people in Tulsa, Oklahoma—though most white people can tell you that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played together on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

To put it plainly, we have to learn a lot of white crap, including white history, much of which is not even true. Meanwhile, white people never have to learn about us, because doing so would force white people to be held accountable for the many ways they’ve mistreated—and continue to mistreat—people of color.

This book is an opportunity to change that. To provide some of the context and history that is so often lacking for white people.

Heck, we even added the Encyclopedia of Racism because my white editor pointed out that many of you reading this might not understand some of the terms that I’ll be using, some of the events I refer to, or why certain things are racist. I hope you already looked up white privilege, from page 00. Here’s another opportunity to use the encyclopedia: if you aren’t familiar with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, go to the back of the book and learn about it.

But to the point about people who think white people can’t change: I understand, and have met those white people, too. These are the types of white people who will say things like “Black people need to get over slavery” or “We had a Black president; there is no more racism.” These are people who want white supremacy to continue because it benefits them. They are the same people who will say this book sucks, never having read it.

But this book isn’t for those white people. It’s for the ones who want to do better, who want to be better. But where do white people start? How does someone learn empathy? Is it by watching a specific movie? Listening to an album?
I think it starts with understanding.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2020
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1536217018
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536217018
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 17 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.98 x 8.5 inches
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
Best Sellers Rank: #1,026,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #48 in Teen & Young Adult Politics & Government
- #53 in Civil & Human Rights Books for Young Adults
- #73 in Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Prejudice (Books)
Customer Reviews:
(1,641)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Frederick Joseph

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Frederick Joseph is a three-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from Yonkers, New York, whose work spans poetry, nonfiction, children’s literature, and young adult fiction. He is the author of the acclaimed YA novel This Thing of Ours, which received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly, was nominated for The Georgia Peach Book Award, and was named one of the Best Young Adult Books of 2025 by Kirkus, the Chicago Public Library, and BookPage.

His body of work includes the poetry collection We Alive, Beloved; the bestselling nonfiction titles The Black Friend and Patriarchy Blues; the collaborative volume Better Than We Found It; and the children’s books Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—The Courage to Dream and Planting Hope. Across genres, Joseph’s writing is known for its emotional precision, cultural urgency, and commitment to reimagining how we understand identity, justice, and belonging.

Joseph’s books have earned widespread recognition, including being named an Amazon Editors’ Pick, a selection of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, a Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street College, and an Editors’ Choice by Booklist. His work has also been recognized by the International Literacy Association and the National Council for the Social Studies, and has been nominated for the In the Margins Award and longlisted for the Green Earth Book Award, among other honors.

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over

Customer reviews

1,641 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers find this book deeply insightful and well-written, appreciating its conversational tone and humor that keeps it entertaining. Moreover, the storytelling is relatable, with one customer noting it's an honest culmination of true life experiences. Additionally, customers value the book's approach to anti-racism, with one review highlighting its unapologetic critique of white attitudes in America.

AI Generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

85 customers mention content, 82 positive, 3 negative

Customers find the book informative and deeply insightful, with one customer noting it's a must-read for anyone considering themselves an ally.

Great book with so many educational points. A must readRead more

A great read to help you become a better white person. The book reads like a conversation and flows so naturally you will not want to stop reading....Read more

Must read. Great perspective on history, what being an anti-racist means, and how to do better. All with very readable and relatable storytelling....Read more

Amazing book! Love how it’s a bunch of little stories! I think we all can learn a lot from other peoples stories and experiences! Highly recommend!!!Read more

19 customers mention readability, 18 positive, 1 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and process, with one customer noting it's written in a non-confrontational way that helps understand oppression.

It was an easy read but with sections that required holding space. Some things I knew and some things I needed to hear again....Read more

This book is easy to read, in that the author speaks directly to you without sugar coating anything....Read more

Such a good easy read! A book a recommend every white person read in today’s society it’s important to educate ourselvesRead more

...It’s a quick read but packed with information written in a way that is easily digestible for kids and adults as well....Read more

16 customers mention writing style, 16 positive, 0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written and conversational.

...I'd love to have lunch with Frederick Joseph. His book is brief and well written with many opportunities to smile while also bringing me along...Read more

Wow this is so well written! As a white woman I felt really sad not only for Black people but also for myself....Read more

...All with very readable and relatable storytelling. Joseph is a great writer!Read more

...Beautifully written, heart wrenching, funny at times, and delivers the message clearly. Loved it, learned from it, recommend it to everyone....Read more

10 customers mention humor, 10 positive, 0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, which keeps it entertaining, with one customer noting its fun conversational tone.

...Mr. Joseph's writing is engaging, insightful, witty, thoughtful and easy to read....Read more

...It is interesting , well written, and even made me laugh out loud in places....Read more

...I really enjoyed reading this book, Joesph's insight, anecdotes, humor and life lessons about how to deal with racism, it is eye opening and makes...Read more

...Beautifully written, heart wrenching, funny at times, and delivers the message clearly. Loved it, learned from it, recommend it to everyone....Read more

10 customers mention storytelling, 10 positive, 0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, finding it relatable and honest, with one customer noting how the author shares personal experiences of racism.

...Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, Joesph's insight, anecdotes, humor and life lessons about how to deal with racism, it is eye opening and...Read more

Loved the book. Really enjoyed the information and the personal narrative. Tough to read. This is a great book for the time we are living in....Read more

...All with very readable and relatable storytelling. Joseph is a great writer!Read more

...'The Black Friend' grabbed me with its ability to be at once instantly relatable and completely blunt about race and racism....Read more

7 customers mention entertaining, 6 positive, 1 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with one mentioning they will not want to stop reading.

...Well written and entertaining.Read more

...This book was interesting, easy to follow, and helpful....Read more

This book is way beyond what I thought it was going to be. It is interesting , well written, and even made me laugh out loud in places....Read more

...book reads like a conversation and flows so naturally you will not want to stop reading....Read more

6 customers mention anti-racism, 5 positive, 1 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to anti-racism, with one customer highlighting its unapologetic critique of white attitudes in America and another noting how it fights negativity with positivity.

...This is a marvelous introduction to racism and anti-racism. I enjoyed reading it and am passing it along to my child....Read more

Must read. Great perspective on history, what being an anti-racist means, and how to do better. All with very readable and relatable storytelling....Read more

...There are ways to discuss this and not perpetuate stereotypes that are harmful and remove nuance and differences within a group while also...Read more

...with its ability to be at once instantly relatable and completely blunt about race and racism....Read more

6 customers mention honesty, 6 positive, 0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty.

...His criticisms and experiences are shared with the unvarnished truth....Read more

...He includes humor and honesty while opening my eyes. I thought I was an ally but now I have the right information in order to truly be an ally!Read more

...I appreciate his straight up honesty and vulnerability. I choose to be an accomplice in these days of transformation.Read more

...He is a truly genuine person with a kind heart and a frank nature....Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Rachel McElhany
Should be required reading!
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

You know how some people say, “I can’t be racist – I have a Black friend.”? Frederick Joseph wants to be that Black friend. And he sees the Black friend’s job as, “the person who is willing to speak the truth to the white people in their lives, to call them out when they do or say something hurtful, ignorant or offensive.” His goal is to help readers go from people who are learning about race and racism to people who are actively working to solve the problems created by racism – in other words, anti-racists.

The Black Friend is written for young adults but it would be great for adults as well, especially for those who are just beginning the work of becoming an anti-racist. Each chapter covers a different general topic – affirmative action, cultural appropriation, colorblindness, etc. At the end of each chapter, he interviews a prominent person of color, like Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give and April Reign founder of the #OscarsSoWhite movement.

Joseph writes with a conversational tone and weaves in his personal story throughout the book. His journey to adulthood had some missteps and awkward moments so he doesn’t talk down to the reader. His sense of humor keeps the book entertaining as well as informative. He includes an Encyclopedia of Racism at the end with helpful information that everyone, especially teens, may not know, like what Brexit or the Tulsa Race Massacre is. Putting it at the end helps the body of the book flow more easily. There are a few other extras at the end, like a playlist and recommended reading.

I loved this book. I think it should be required reading for high school students. It’s a quick read but packed with information written in a way that is easily digestible for kids and adults as well. The only times I was reminded that I was reading a young adult book were when he would say things like he was so old he watched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as if the reader wouldn’t have heard of that show. Or that he’s so old he remembers when YouTube started. Um, I remember when the internet started!

Highly recommended.

Read more

18 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Malatestafy
Great Start for Working Towards Being an Accomplice; Strong Recommend for Young Men
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
First, let me say I am a white man and bought this book to support a Black author and to keep doing work on myself to understand how to be an ally, accomplice, and better anti-racist. Frederick does a really nice job of laying out the issues, sharing his story which is deeply insightful and personal, and highlighting what to see in yourself as well as what NOT to say and do. I appreciated the glossary (yup, there are definitions of terms you need to know as a reader) as well as the call outs to certain things (like, go listen to a song or look something up) if you didn't have the context.

Second, the book reads easy and informal and straightforward...in a good way. It is similar to Ibram X. Kendi's 'How to be an Anti-Racist' in the way it progresses through experiences as Frederick grows up and lives through the events. It was so readable that I sat and read it in one evening and just couldn't put it down. It made me laugh out loud at least twice and also compelled to think hard about things I had said and done when I was younger.

Finally, I recommend this book to anyone looking to listen to the story of a Black man who opens up about his story and explore what you should do in response. I strongly recommend this book for young people, young men specifically, and young white men even more specifically. Frederick writes in a way allowing the reader to empathize with his experience while assessing their own biases and actions at the same time. I have three boys and they will all be reading this book in the next several years. A humble and deeply appreciative thank you to Frederick Joseph for sharing his story with us and the world.

Read more

110 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Toni
Very thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Growing up in predominantly white towns of the rural southwest, my understanding has been skewed by my childhood experience. This was an enlightening read on how to be better committed to equality, but still aware that in many areas of societal structure, it probably won't happen. This is a great starting point for readers of all ages to have the conversation, educate, understand, and fight- be an accomplice!

Read more

Helpful

Report
AnnieLiz
Very Heloful
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Love this book. As a white person struggling to understand white privilege, microagressions, and other “subtle” forms of racism and bigotry, Mr. Joseph’s stories provide examples of what those behaviors look and feel like to him and others. He also shared stories of racism in his own life - how authority figures like teachers had acted in a racist manner - that helps me have a better idea of what to see - and avoid - in myself and others. He explains why it’s important to speak up and when.

He also explains how & why certain movements came to be, and what those of us with light skin can do to create positive change in society.

I highly recommend this book. It’s an easy read, clearly written.

Read more

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Mary H
White People Need to Read This
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
So glad I bought this book. Mr. Joseph's writing is engaging, insightful, witty, thoughtful and easy to read. As a white woman in the Midwest, I greatly appreciate how he uses his experiences to inform people like myself on how to show up and be better cohabitants of this earth and how to break through so many of the racist instincts that society conditioned us to have. Highly recommend, may even read it twice before I pass it on to my sister to read. Take notes! Will definitely be reading his other books.

Read more

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English

Kerrydad
Insightful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2021
Verified Purchase

Some of this I already knew intellectually but the importance of Frederick Joseph's book was that it made me engage on the emotional level. I may be
too old to get the film and musical references but I am determined to educate myself. A great and necessary book.

Read more
Report
Cliente Amazon
Da leggere
Reviewed in Italy on May 20, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Un libro davvero interessante, lo consiglio a tutti. Fa molto riflettere.

Read more
Report
Translate review to English
Moira Irving
A must read!!!
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book is absolutely phenomenal! Fredrick Joseph is a very talented writer, I felt it was an easy read, and his life stories will both inspire you and break your heart. This book should be mandatory material for high schoolers and all teachers. Honestly this book should be a mandatory read for everyone.

Read more
Report
Nikki Stratton
White people we need to do more!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
What a fantastic book. The author has articulated, beautifully, his experiences into a eye opening view of the moral decay this society suffers. It gives us an insight into simple things we can do to try and change this world. Brave and raw.

Read more
Report
Angela M
We learned a lot and it sparked many helpful conversations.
Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2022
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I learned a lot about some of the harmful mistakes that I have made in my own life and how to do better going forward.

Read more
Report

See more reviews

Price		EUR 8.41
AmazonGlobal Shipping		EUR 8.38
Estimated Import Charges		EUR 0.00

Total		EUR 16.78

Shipping & Fee Details

Sorry, there was a problem.

Sorry, there was a problem.

Image Unavailable

Follow the author

The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person Hardcover – December 1, 2020

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

Customers also bought or read

From the Publisher

Advance praise:

Quotes from the book:

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Review

About the Author

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Product details

Product Videos

About the author

Frederick Joseph

Related books

Customer reviews

Customers say

Select to learn more

Images in this review

Reviews with images

The perfect playbook to learn to be anti-racist.

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Start for Working Towards Being an Accomplice; Strong Recommend for Young Men

5.0 out of 5 stars Very thought provoking

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Heloful

5.0 out of 5 stars White People Need to Read This

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful

5.0 out of 5 stars Da leggere

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars White people we need to do more!

5.0 out of 5 stars We learned a lot and it sparked many helpful conversations.

Should be required reading!

Great Start for Working Towards Being an Accomplice; Strong Recommend for Young Men

Very thought provoking

Very Heloful

White People Need to Read This

Insightful

Da leggere

A must read!!!

White people we need to do more!

We learned a lot and it sparked many helpful conversations.