Bibliographic Information:
Title: Unequal: A Story of America
Author: Marc Favreau and Michael Eric Dyson
ISBN: 9780759557031
Publisher: Little, Brown Books, New York
Copyright Date: 2023
Genre: Non-fiction
Format: Print Book/eBook
Awards/Honors: None as of this post.
Reading Level/Interest Level: Ages 13+
Plot Summary:
The history of the United States is fraught with inequality and racism - at some points these stories are well known and told repeatedly, for others their stories remain hidden and unknown. Marc Favreau and Michael Eric Dyson take the time to delve into the history of inequality towards Black Americans in this novel, with each chapter detailing the struggles and life of both well-known and lesser-known historical figures. From Ida B. Wells and her journalistic endeavors to expose the epidemic of lynching in the United States all the way to Stacey Abrams fighting against voter suppression in the twenty-first century, Favreau and Dyson cover them all. The interconnected stories showcase systematic inequalities in the United States, both historically and in the present.
Watch Fannie Lou Hamer's testimony that sent her into the spotlight:
Author Background:
Michael Eric Dyson is the main author of Unequal, and works as a professor at some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, as well as an author of more than 25 books, and a Baptist minister (About). A large multitude of his books have won various awards including NAACP Image Award (twice) and the American Book Award, but Unequal is his first book written specifically for teenagers and is currently nominated for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults (Dyson, 2023).
Marc Favreau is an author of nonfiction books for teenagers, focusing on his love of history as his inspiration. Although he did not begin writing until he was in his forties, he has since written five books including Unequal (About - Marc Favreau, 2024). Outside of his authorly endeavors, Favreau has pet chickens (that sometimes lay eggs) and lives in New York and Massachusetts.
Critical Evaluation:
I loved this book - I don’t say that very often, but I loved this book. I love history, especially the kind that tends to get glanced over in classes, and Unequal is exactly that history. It was manageable to read with each chapter being less than twenty pages, and if I was a young adult without the historical knowledge I have, this novel would have blown me away and made me angry. The historical figures are well researched and represented, and there are even small page long details on other current political and cultural Black Americans as well. While I had no emotional reactions to the stories in the book, I think it should be required reading for young adults in America as it shows more than what is normally taught, as well as expands and goes deeper into what usually is.
When I went to Barnes and Noble to look for nonfiction books to add to this blog, there were two shelves. Two. Whole. Shelves. Maybe thirty titles, if even that many. It is so upsetting to see that young adults are not considered to be interested in nonfiction, but then again how can they be if the options are few and far between? This book, regardless of personal feelings, is necessary for a multitude of reasons including expanding the young adult nonfiction section.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
Public speaking/presentation time! Everyone chose an important historical figure, either from the book or another person of color whose contributions to the untold story of America are important, and research them and present their achievements at the library book club. Alternatively, create a slide for them that can be played in the library on rotation with others, or a poster! Either way, I want young adults to become more comfortable with presenting and speaking publicly, as well as help their research skills.
Learn about Michelle Alexander's book, The New Jim Crow:
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer:
There are hundreds of Black Americans who should be well known historical figures: yet very few of them are taught in schools, especially outside of Black History month. Unequal: A Story of America helps to right that wrong by telling the story of two dozen Black Americans whose stories have either been ignored or muted. So, cozy up, and prepare to learn some history that is not included in your APUSH class.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
Recently, there have been issues with what some conservatives call “critical race theory” and the idea that telling Black history will erase white experience. I would not be shocked if Unequal would be challenged for “demonizing” white people, especially those who caused harm to the figures whose history is being described. I would use points from the ALA Bill of Rights, as well as take the stand that ignoring history does not erase it - it simply gives it even more power over us in the present.
Reason for Inclusion:
It is necessary and essential for a good young adult collection to have a decent amount of non-fiction included to help with critical thinking skills as well as helping young adults gain interest in reading outside of fiction. Perhaps even more importantly, it is necessary to include diverse stories in a collection, which is something I have been harping on for a lot of my picks for this blog so far. In a world where some people are concerned about sharing “too many” Black perspectives and history, we have to remember exactly why they do not want those stories shared: because it makes them uncomfortable about the way Black Americans are treated. We should not shy from the history of this country, and especially not from the problems that continue to plague it to this day. Through education and understanding we can help change the world little by little, and this book plays a large part of that goal.
References:
(n.d.). About. Michael Eric Dyson. https://michaelericdyson.com/about/
(2024, March 30). About — Marc Favreau. Marc Favreau. https://www.marcfavreau.com/about
Dyson, M. E. (2023, December 12). Unequal. Linden Tree Books. https://www.lindentreebooks.com/unequal-56690772.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo6kiTiMd0sXVXVE3w9dqDrsv6zhLpZurwAJ0LDDDofLGsOFMNp
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