Book recommendation – "Le racisme expliqué à ma fille" by Tahar Ben Jelloun Understanding racism, one conversation at a time

At NETO Innovation, we believe that advancing innovation also means promoting open dialogue, inclusion, and understanding, values that shape both science and society. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight this powerful and essential read in our latest book recommendation: Le racisme expliqué à ma fille (Racism Explained to My Daughter) by Tahar Ben Jelloun.

Le racisme expliqué à ma fille:  Why this book matters

Originally published in 1998, Le racisme expliqué à ma fille was born from a deeply personal and universal conversation: a father answering his young daughter’s questions about racism during a protest in Paris. With simplicity, honesty, and profound empathy, Tahar Ben Jelloun explains complex ideas such as prejudice, discrimination, cultural identity, and history in a way that is accessible for young readers and deeply enlightening for adults.

What makes this book so impactful is its clarity: it provides a calm, factual, and compassionate framework for tackling one of the most persistent issues of our time. It's a must-read for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to be better equipped to recognize and confront racism in everyday life.

At NETO Innovation, where women’s visibility, diversity, and equity are central to our identity, this book resonates with our values by reminding us that innovation is not only technological but also human.

About the author

Tahar Ben Jelloun is a Moroccan-French writer, poet, and essayist. He is one of the most important contemporary francophone authors, known for addressing themes such as immigration, identity, memory, and justice. Ben Jelloun moved to France and became a regular contributor to Le Monde. His literary accolades include the prestigious Prix Goncourt for his novel La Nuit sacrée (The Sacred Night) in 1987.

Through his novels, essays, and journalistic work, Ben Jelloun has become a powerful voice for intercultural understanding and human rights.

A global message

Le racisme expliqué à ma fille has touched readers around the world and has been translated into over 30 languages, including English, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Turkish, Japanese, and more. Its universal appeal speaks of the shared responsibility we all have in building a more just and inclusive society.

Our take

If you're looking for a short, impactful, and enlightening read, this book is a perfect choice. It's also a wonderful resource for introducing younger audiences to social justice concepts in a sensitive and age-appropriate way.

We highly recommend keeping it on your shelf, in your classroom, or in your company’s reading club.

Have you read Le racisme expliqué à ma fille? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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