Bringing Up Race in the USA: Book Release

Bringing Up Race US edition now available in bookshops across America and Canada.

Yesterday my book made its North American debut! I’m still feeling all the feels, especially as it came one day after the anniversary of my mother’s death. I had shared a post on Instagram about the signs I’ve received to show my mum and dad are still watching over me. Such as how I got the offer from my US publisher Sourcebooks one day before my mother’s birthday last year. Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World is a book that I wrote for people of all cultures and ethnicities who believe in a better world. I’m thrilled that it will have the opportunity to reach more homes, schools and communities across the US and Canada.

Bringing Up Race US Edition: A Brand New Chapter

For the Bringing Up Race US edition, I wrote a brand new chapter titled ‘An American Story’. I spoke with American parents, experts and educators who described their own experiences of growing up and raising kids in a racially volatile environment. It’s funny, while I was writing I took every opportunity to troll Donald Trump. Now the book is out, Agent Orange is no longer in office. However, Trump and everything he stood for cast a long shadow over the nation and the world. And we have a long way to go in the mission for justice and equality. As we say in Nigeria, our road is far.

I hope you find Bringing Up Race useful as both a map and a compass to guide you along this journey. The book is filled with personal stories, practical insights and talking points. It addresses everything from racial bullying at school to everyday prejudice and microaggressions. What to do when your child asks you an awkward question about someone’s ethnicity. What it feels like to be racially ‘othered’ in the country you call home.

Most of all, the book is filled with hope. In spite of everything, I genuinely believe that we can make a difference in how we relate to each other and how we raise the next generation. Among its numerous press features, Bringing Up Race recently got a *starred review* in Publishers Weekly!

And here are some wonderful reviews I’ve had from readers. Thanks so much, I appreciate each and every one of you — and thanks for all the love on social media too.

Reader Feedback for Bringing Up Race

‘What struck me most of all was the tone of this book: it is informal but informative, warm and wise, driven by a desire to help others implement change, not to berate them. This is also a very kind book: Uju’s mantra of “Be cool, be kind, be you” runs through her prose – her personality and sense of humour lift the mood of the book, while her empathy and generosity shine out of every page.’
Elspells Book Blog review

‘It’s as much a book to read, as well as a book to action, a book that kicks you into shape in the best of ways, a book that you might, as Brené Brown would put, ‘throw at the wall’ because it brings to the surface the things you need to address.’
It Had To Be You newsletter (September Book of the Month)

‘I have never written an author before, but I am absolutely astonished by your book! I am neither African American, nor a parent, but it is my most favourite book from this day and I believe every person must read it for educational purposes.’
Anna Zinchenko 

‘I’ve just finished reading Bringing Up Race – I read it in almost one sitting…  Thank you so much for writing this honest, brave and meaningful book.  I’ve left reviews on Amazon and Google and have recommended it to everyone I know.  I think it should be required reading for all parents — especially White.’
Harriet Fletcher

‘My daughter just sent me your book on Audible for an end of teaching term survival gift. I read it previously and was overwhelmed by how I related to you in chapter one, being a proud black woman who has mixed race children.’
Simone Cohen

‘I’m currently reading your book and loving it. Thank you for writing it. I just had my first child and think having a book like this makes talking about race a lot less scary.’
Ashley Nemiro

‘I just bought your book (I’m based in Cape Town) and wanted to say a huge “thank you” for sharing your story! The book is amazing and your perspective is so warm and deeply educational.’
Lindsay Balfour 

‘I teared up at the end of the book because it’s just so beautifully written. A masterpiece and master class!’
Brooke Showell

Additional Resources

Talking About Race: Books to Share with Your Kids
Movies and TV Shows to Encourage Conversations

Bringing Up Race US edition is available at all good bookshops including Bookshop USA (independent bookshop hub) and Amazon,  Barnes and Noble. Also see Amazon UK, Waterstones, Bookshop UK, Afrori Books (Black owned), Word on the Water (delivery to Europe and North America) and Roving Heights Bookshop (delivery in Nigeria). Best option for free worldwide delivery is Book Depository.