How the Word Is Passed is a great introduction to the history of systemic racism. Clint Smith tells the story of racism through places, in a sort of museum-learning style. I don’t have much else to say except that you should go read it. Smith approaches racism thoughtfully, with clear writing and thorough explanations—even if you know little on the subject going in, you’ll learn and understand a lot. I’d like to have read books like this in US History at my high school alongside our textbooks.