The Talk
by Darrin Bell
Autobiography
Biography
Graphic Novel
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Darrin Bell (winner of the 2019 Pulitzer prize for his editorial cartooning) writes (and draws) about his experiences growing up Black. His Black father didn’t know how to talk to him about being Black, and eventually left. His White mother couldn’t completely understand, but she always came out swinging in Bell’s defense whenever she heard about any injustices, racism, bullying, and/or microaggressions (much to his horror most often). And his older brother seemed to be in denial that anything untoward was happening. Young Darrin knew different. After an incident where a police officer treats him like a criminal for playing with a water pistol, Darrin is traumatized. This plays out over and over over the course of his life – showing him that there are double standards and rules you have to play by if you want to survive while being Black. He overcomes a lot of obstacles to become a successful cartoon artist and uses his talents to raise awareness about political and racial issues and violence done to Black people. He was so hopeful during the Obama administration and then later during the COVID-19 pandemic when he thought maybe the tide was turning and people were waking up to the reality. But has it? He finds himself with his own young children, having to have the Talk – the conversation he had with his mother – about the realities of being Black. This is a powerful and moving memoir. Published for adults. May also be appreciated by older/high school teens.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
