Racial Profiling

Starred review from March 1, 2017

Gr 6 Up-Behnke provides an in-depth analysis of the inequalities that people of color experience at different levels of U.S. society, from housing and education to criminal justice and poverty. The author foregrounds her examination with relevant historical context, extensive data from studies, and testimonials to draw evidence-based conclusions while still recognizing other perspectives. Complex concepts including white privilege and implicit bias are unpacked with a balance of sensitivity and boldness. This unflinching exploration is a more accessible text for teens than Michelle Alexander's adult title The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, yet it still highlights similar points. Behnke also covers religious-based discrimination and addresses policing tactics and officer accountability in an increasingly technological society. The extensive back matter makes this valuable for research. VERDICT A mandatory addition to teen collections for discussions on inequality and social justice.-Paige Rowse, Needham High School, MA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2017
Not shying away from the historic legacies of U.S. racism and recent high-profile deaths of unarmed people of color, Behnke explores the roots, multiple manifestations, and consequences of this ongoing form of social injustice. The book opens powerfully, with the heart-shattering story of the 2014 shooting death of Tamir Rice, keenly followed by the critical perspective that racial profiling played a "crucial role not only in Rice's tragic fate but in numerous other American lives." The book considers not only disparities in policing and criminal justice, but more extensively how practices of racial profiling can be found in schools, businesses, and economic policies (such as redlining) as well as post-9/11 surges in Islamophobia and other immigration-related xenophobia. Balancing multiple viewpoints with an enlightened anti-racist perspective, Behnke takes a clear stance that "whether implicit or explicit, individual or institutional, racial profiling leaves deep psychological scars among its victims, hinders the social and economic opportunities of people of color, and creates deep mistrust and fear at all levels of society." Recurring pullouts highlight quotes from leaders of historical significance, while graphs and charts interspersed throughout the book serve as reminders of the wide inequities that race and bias have on our society. The expansive bibliography and source notes invite readers to explore other articles and texts, and readers are also advised on meaningful actions they can take themselves. A courageous historical examination of one of the most critical civil rights issues of our time. (index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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February 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 An impressive amount of information is packed into this relatively slim book. Assuming no previous knowledge, and attempting to relate topics to readers' personal experiences, coverage addresses multiple aspects of racial profiling, including definitions, historic roots, legalities, and documented examples of diverse subconscious and institutionalized prejudices found in law enforcement, education, hiring, home buying, and almost every aspect of everyday society (public transportation, media, etc.). There is an equally impressive variety of delivery methods: personal experiences and quotes; case studies; charts and graphs; archival and color photos; and engaging, accessible text documented by extensive source notes. The coverage is current through the end of 2016, addressing such issues as the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The final chapter addresses activism and offers realistic ways for young adults to become involved in change initiatives. This is a balanced introduction to a sometimes controversial and often emotional subject and should serve report writers well.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)