Tochluk and Saxman provide an enlightening guide for white people navigating their own racialized, white identity journeys. The authors utilize Janet Helms’s model of white identity development, which includes various roles white people experience on their personal identity journey: contact, disintegration, reintegration, pseudo-independence, immersion/emersion, and autonomy.… By illustrating how common far-right and anti-racist messaging can hinder a person’s white identity development, the authors provide ideas for disarming tactics that typically shut down conversations about race. They offer suggested approaches adapted to different roles, such as building relationships, offering perspective, cultivating curiosity, engaging in critical thinking, practicing self-care, and many others. Although the focus is on developing a healthful, positive, anti-racist white identity, the book also untangles ideologies leading to the rise in white nationalism. Being White Today is a must read for white educators and racial justice facilitators committed to sustaining their white identity journeys. Highly recommended. Faculty; professionals; general readers.

Choice Reviews

Social justice educators (of any background) who are looking for the most effective ways of working with White students will want to read this book. Using an understanding of White racial identity development, Tochluk and Saxman have created a resource that offers the tools needed to support students on their anti-racist learning journey.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD, president of Spelman College, and author of "Why are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations about Race"

Being White Today should be required reading for every white person who identifies as antiracist. Further, it would serve parents and caregivers of white youth to take in the insightful lessons learned and shared by the book’s authors. If we hope to create and sustain a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy, white people must know who they are racially, and more importantly, who they can be in the fight for liberation.

Lecia Brooks, Chief of Staff & Culture, Southern Poverty Law Center

Being White Today is more than just a book! It is a vital navigation tool, helping readers unpack white racial identity and the sense of responsibility and accountability required to dismantle racist ideologies and concepts. Christine and Shelly expertly take their readers on a journey that is authentic, vulnerable, and full of self-reflection. Using evidence-based research, this book engages your critical thinking and provides a road map to guide you through a cycle of transformation.

Fadzi Whande, Chief of Section, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The recruitment of white youth into white nationalism is accelerating, and it is imperative that we wake up to this reality. We cannot interrupt what we don't see or understand. Distinguishing between white people and whiteness, and with a foundation in racial identity development, Tochluk and Saxman draw from years of experience in the halls of education to guide our efforts. With its approach of compassion rather than shaming, this illuminating and pragmatic book needs to be in the hands of everyone who interacts with white youth today.

Robin DiAngelo, author, "White Fragility"

In the myriad of recent books centered on Whiteness and antiracism, Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life by Tochluk and Saxman stands at the top of the must-read list. Through humanized narrative, real life examples, and multiple resources, White readers will engage in a life changing journey to becoming, and supporting, an antiracist society.

Eddie Moore Jr., PhD, Founder, The White Privilege Conference