Friends,

I have some exciting news to share: Teach Truth: The Struggle for Antiracist Education just received a powerful review from Kirkus, one of the biggest names in publishing.

They call the book:

“inspirational… compelling… a well-researched case promoting the value of antiracist education.”

And what’s more — Teach Truth earned the Kirkus “Our Verdict: GET IT” designation, a distinction awarded to only about 25% of indie-reviewed titles. As someone who poured years of organizing, teaching, and truth-telling into this book, I’m deeply honored.

But I’m also aware of the moment we’re in. When a book about defending honest education is seen as “compelling,” it’s because we live in a time when the truth itself is under attack.

We’re watching as politicians push laws that criminalize discussing racism, censor books about queer and trans lives, and fire educators for speaking the truth. Nearly half of all U.S. students now attend school in states where so-called “educational gag orders” limit what teachers are allowed to say. Teaching the Tulsa Race Massacre or Japanese American incarceration has become controversial. In this climate, Teach Truth isn’t just a title — it’s a demand.

The review highlights stories like that of James Whitfield, the first Black principal of Colleyville Heritage High School in Texas, who was forced out of his position after daring to speak against racism in his community. These kinds of stories are not isolated—they’re part of a nationwide pattern.

Kirkus concludes that Teach Truth offers “a compelling account of how a politically and economically powerful minority have been able to enact book bans and curriculum censorship” and uplifts the strategies educators can use to resist — from critical pedagogy to collective action.

That’s what I hope this book offers: not just a warning, but a toolkit. Not just analysis, but hope. From lesson ideas to legal strategies to stories organizing efforts, Teach Truth is meant to fortify those of us fighting for classrooms where all students are seen, where justice is taught, and where history is not erased.

I’m grateful to Kirkus for seeing the value in that work. And I’m grateful to all of you — educators, parents, students, and community members — who are shining the light of truth in dark times.

With love and solidarity,

Jesse

Order the book wherever books are sold or directly from Haymarket Books.