Walker to publish guide to becoming 'actively anti-racist' for teens

Walker Books will publish The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph on 7th January 2021. 

Senior commissioning editor Daisy Jellicoe acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Adrienne Santamaria at Trident Media Group. Walker’s sister company, Candlewick, will publish in the US on 1st December 2020. 

Described as a "powerful and timely conversation-starter for teens who want to learn more about racial justice and become actively anti-racist," The Black Friend will provide white readers with a guide to being better allies, friends and accomplices to change, said the publisher.   

The book will touch on topics including cultural appropriation, "reverse racism" and white privilege, as well as intimate reflections on Joseph's own experiences with racism. The book will also feature interviews with 14 artists and activists, such as author Angie Thomas, content creator Toni Tone, and founder of the #OscarsSoWhite movement April Reign.

Jellicoe said: “As soon as I started reading The Black Friend, I knew we had to publish it. I am delighted that this book will now reach young people as I think it has the power to really inspire change. Frederick’s honesty, insight and humour will challenge the way we think and act. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to do better.”

Joseph said: “Writing The Black Friend was one of the greatest achievements in my life, and finding out that it’s going to find a home in the UK was an emotional experience for me. Much of my love for literature was moulded by authors and thinkers from the UK, so it’s truly an honour to join their ranks. The topics discussed in The Black Friend don’t simply exist in America, they are global issues, and I’m hoping this book becomes a global resource. Cheers to trying to become better people!”