Not Talking About You

Kevin HeronJones has written this book to reflect his and other young Black people’s experiences with racism in school. He sees an urgent need to talk about how young people exhibit racist behaviour, to portray it honestly, and to explore how young people can confront it and speak out.

Part of a well-off middle-class family living in suburban Toronto, Khalil moves for grade eight to a school  that does not have many racialized students. He is befriended by school sports star Cameron, who convinces Khalil to play basketball. Khalil is uncomfortable with his friend’s racist statements and behaviour, despite Cameron’s professed admiration for Black culture. As his discomfort grows, Khalil is left with a choice: accept this as “reality” or take a stand for what’s right, even if it costs him friendships.

Not talking About You portrays racism as it occurs amongst young Canadians today. It explores the impact on the target and on bystanders who have to decide how to react when they find a racist youth in their midst.