Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE BLACK FRIEND

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THE BLACK FRIEND

Frederick Joseph

An essential guide to the movement toward antiracism. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The content addresses complex social issues, systemic racism, and mature themes regarding social interaction and history. It is most appropriate for high school students who are beginning to engage deeply with sociological and civic topics. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Strong language2/5
  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No product endorsements.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions death in the context of historical systemic violence and racial injustice.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains frank discussions of slurs and offensive language used in racist contexts.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA experiences may be mentioned as part of intersectionality, but the book primarily focuses on racism, racial identity, and antiracist action.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

May be mentioned in cultural contexts, but not a religious book.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a scary or horror-themed work.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Discusses historical and systemic violence, but does not depict explicit graphic violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Encourages the courage to confront biases and have difficult, necessary conversations.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Inspires critical thinking and creative ways to be an ally.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

The entire work is dedicated to representing diverse experiences and social equity.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Highly educational regarding social dynamics, history, and racial awareness.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and kindness are core tenets of the book's argument.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong central message of empathy, awareness, and active antiracism.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The author serves as a strong role model for self-reflection and civic engagement.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. Why do you think the characters used the language they did? Did it change how you saw them?
  3. Which choice in THE BLACK FRIEND would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE BLACK FRIEND, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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