"[5] The Guardian's David Olusoga called the book "brilliant and disturbing" and explained that some readers find the book disturbing "because of the author’s fearless reappraisals of the words, actions and philosophies of some of the more revered heroes of American abolitionism and civil rights – including African American heroes," including William Lloyd Garrison and W. E. B.

[3] He further states, "Perhaps what is most disturbing about Kendi’s work is that it shows how the same racial ideas, dressed in different period costumes, have been repeatedly used to explain away the deaths of generations of African Americans, slaves, victims of Jim Crow lynchings and, in the 21st-century, casualties of police shootings.

And yet I have greater difficulty embracing the notion that, as Kendi argues, progress on race is inevitably stalked by the advance of racism and that, on an individual level, falling short in specific instances somehow taints the whole of a person ...

In these chapters, Kendi and Reynolds focus on important, often overlooked figures and events to illustrate the development of racist ideas throughout the history of the United States.

"[19] Publishers Weekly comments on the book's writing style, stating, "Short chapters, lively phrasing..., and intentional breaks ... help maintain a brisk, compelling pace.

"[20] Booklist's Jessica Agudel wrote that the book's encouragement of readers to "emerge as critical thinkers who can decipher coded language and harmful imagery stemming from racist ideas, which still linger in modern society and popular culture, will be the most empowering result.

"[21] Shelf Awareness's Siân Gaetano highlights how "Reynolds.. makes Stamped a conversation with the reader," saying, "This approach, in less capable hands, could go horribly wrong ...

Stamped is approachable: his tone is welcoming, helpful, easygoing and informal, even though--because--his topic is the shameful, disgusting and brutal history and present of racism.

"[22] The audiobook edition, narrated by Jason Reynolds, also received a starred review from Booklist's Terry Hong, who stated, Stamped—both printed and aural—is an undeniable gift to lucky audiences; either/both must be required reading for all.

[23] Hong also highlighted how Reynolds "transform[ed Kendi's] illuminating words into something akin to a riveting open-mic, poetry-slam performance," stating, "Listeners’ heads will undoubtedly be bobbing in absorbed agreement.

[37] She also discussed the book's artistry, saying, "Baker’s gray-scale illustrations provide an effective visual language for the intended audience and are featured varyingly as spot art and full-page depictions.

"[37] Common Sense Media gave Stamped (for Kids) three out of five stars, who noted that the book's concepts and language "[seem] inaccessible to 6- to 8-year-old children at the younger end of the publisher's target audience.