Things That Make White People Uncomfortable (Adapted for Young Adults)

Gr 9 Up–Adapted from Bennett’s 2018 memoir of the same name, this young adult edition focuses on his upbringing, professional football career, and views on social injustice. As an athlete, Bennett uses his high-profile visibility to challenge the status quo. He includes examples of other activist-athletes such as Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick. Bennett isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects that other pop culture–oriented books may ignore. His powerfully solid voice covers a spectrum of societal ills; he refuses to sit in silence and tries to find solutions for socioeconomic issues like food deserts. Bennett’s openness and honesty accomplish what the title professes: making white people uncomfortable by providing a chance to listen rather than speak. To change the future, we must first understand history.