Antiracist Baby
Antiracist Baby, a board book by Ibram X. Kendi with illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky, aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of antiracism to very young children and their caregivers. The book presents nine steps for fostering an antiracist perspective, encouraging readers to acknowledge racial differences, speak out against injustice, and challenge discriminatory policies. It is designed as a didactic tool to initiate critical conversations about race and equity at an early age, emphasizing that racism is learned and can be unlearned through conscious effort and action. The book's content, while praised by many for its important message, has also drawn commentary regarding its direct and explicit approach to a complex topic for its target audience.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book includes subtle LGBTQ+ representation in its illustrations, with one review specifically mentioning the depiction of a white lesbian in a relationship with a woman of color. The illustrator, Ashley Lukashevsky, also publicly supports LGBTQIA+ liberation through her art. This content is presented visually rather than through explicit discussion in the text, aligning with the board book format.
One Goodreads review explicitly notes the inclusion of 'one white lesbian apparently in a relationship with a woman of color' within the illustrations. The book's illustrator, Ashley Lukashevsky, states on her webpage that she uses illustration to strengthen social movements for 'LGBTQIA+ liberation.'
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile the subject of racism itself can be perceived as serious or intense, the book presents its message with 'bold art and thoughtful yet playful text' suitable for young readers. However, some parents and reviewers find the abstract concepts and the direct assertion that 'Babies are taught to be racist or antiracist—there's no neutrality' to be weighty or 'scary' for the developmental stage of toddlers. The intensity is thematic, stemming from the gravity of the topic, rather than explicit scary imagery or scenes.
One Goodreads review states the book 'presents the world as a scary battleground in which they have to fight an invisible evil force called racism.' Another Reddit user commented, 'The art is scary and the content is like - have you met a child? Ever??' reflecting a perception of intensity. The core message, 'Babies are taught to be racist or antiracist—there's no neutrality,' is a strong, non-neutral claim about the nature of humanity and society that some adults find intense for young children.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe book encourages a form of social activism by teaching children to 'Point at policies as the problem, not people' and to 'confess when being racist.' This can be interpreted as promoting a challenge to systemic injustice and existing norms that perpetuate racism, which is a form of 'rebellion' against societal ills. However, it does not promote personal disrespect toward parents, teachers, or individual authority figures in a negative or disobedient way.
Lesson 3 states, 'Point at policies as the problem, not people,' encouraging critical thinking about systems rather than blaming individuals. Lesson 7, 'Confess when being racist,' promotes self-reflection and accountability, which can be seen as challenging ingrained behaviors. The book's overarching goal is to 'make society transform' by teaching individuals to actively dismantle racism, which is an inherently challenging stance against societal norms.
Violence
LowThe book does not contain depictions of physical violence, gore, or direct conflict. Any references to violence are metaphorical, pertaining to the systemic nature of racism as a societal struggle rather than literal acts within the narrative. The book aims to educate on combating racism through awareness and action, not violent means.
The text focuses on concepts like 'Make antiracist choices' and 'Believe we shall overcome racism,' which are abstract calls to action, not violent commands. Some commentary on the broader topic of racism describes it as presenting the world as a 'scary battleground' or 'horror story of danger,' but these are adult interpretations of the systemic issue, not literal content in the book.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowGiven its target audience of babies and toddlers, the book contains no romantic or sexual content. The illustrations of individuals and families are presented in a neutral, age-appropriate manner, with any implied relationships falling under broader representation rather than romance or sexuality.
The book is a board book designed for 'the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives'. Reviews and content descriptions consistently indicate a focus on social justice concepts and diverse representation, with no mention of romantic or sexual themes.
Profanity
LowThere is no indication of profanity, curse words, or strong language used in the book's text or illustrations. The language is described as 'thoughtful yet playful' and suitable for introducing complex topics to young children.
The book uses 'bold art and thoughtful yet playful text' to convey its message. Content analyses and parent reviews make no mention of inappropriate language, reflecting its design for a very young audience.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book strictly focuses on themes of race, social justice, and anti-racism. There are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic, demons, spells, or supernatural content.
The book's genre is described as 'Picture Books, Childrens, Social Justice, Race, Nonfiction, Anti Racist'. No reviews or content descriptions across various platforms mention any themes related to witchcraft or the occult.
Substance Use
LowThe book does not feature any depiction or discussion of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking. The content is entirely focused on its anti-racism message, with no elements pertaining to substance consumption.
As a board book for young children, 'Antiracist Baby' maintains content appropriate for its age group, devoid of any references to or depictions of substance use.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or sacrilege. Its focus is entirely on racial justice and anti-racism. Some reviewers have drawn stylistic or pedagogical comparisons to Sunday school lessons due to its didactic nature, but this is a commentary on its presentation rather than its religious content.
One Goodreads reviewer noted, 'it felt like artwork from sunday school and the ideas felt like a weekly lesson at Sunday school,' and another commented on preferring 'stories to preaching, having been raised Dutch Reformed and forced until I was eighteen to attend two church services every Sunday with long sermons,' both indicating stylistic comparisons rather than anti-Christian content. The book's subject matter is categorized as social justice and anti-racism, without any religious affiliations.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 0-3 years (up to preschool). While marketed for babies and toddlers, many reviewers note that the conceptual depth of antiracism, as presented, makes it more suitable for adults to read to children, fostering discussion, with older children (preschool to early elementary) potentially grasping more of the core messages directly.
Additional Notes
Some parents and educators express concern that the book's concepts, while important, may be too abstract or politically charged for the very young audience it targets (0-3 years). They suggest it might be more effective as a tool for adult caregivers to facilitate conversations, or for slightly older children. The book has also faced challenges from some parents who believe its message is itself divisive or promotes critical race theory.
Related Reviews
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