Coping with Discrimination and Prejudice

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up--The authors define prejudice and discrimination and show how they manifest themselves. They include gender bias, racism, religious intolerance, discrimination against people with disabilities, and institutional discrimination. The author warns that sometimes discrimination is subtle, so one should be aware of how language and humor can express it. Most of the chapters offer coping strategies for the various types of discrimination that teens may encounter. Another section in most chapters called "Hmmm..." presents scenarios for further thought. A checklist for determining what to do if discriminated against and a W-5 form (for reporting acts of discrimination) and an explanation of how to use it are appended. An annotated list of "Where to Go for Help" is also included. Unfortunately, the tone of the writing is uneven. At times, the text is didactic; in other instances, it is cutesy. A number of the authors' examples seem to trivialize the issues, such as calling a dislike of spinach a prejudice. One chapter called "Do You Encourage Discrimination?" suggesting how a young person's dress or actions may invite harassment, seems patronizing.--Lynn W. Zimmerman, Southeast Middle School, Greensboro, NC