Black Boy, Black Boy

July 15, 2022
A young Black boy and an adult companion journey hand in hand as they discuss the achievements of inspirational Black male figures. The frontispiece, featuring colorful, joyful, and mosaiclike illustrations of the child and his stylishly dressed adult companion engaged in various activities, sets the tone for the opening text: "Dear boy, Black boy, rise up, it's time. / It's a new day and a chance to shine." As the boy points ahead, the sun beams down, illuminating the path. A figure wearing a football uniform emblazoned with the number seven appears ahead of them ("A story of courage that starts on this day. / Courage like these men who paved a way")--Colin Kaepernick, who is illustrated taking a knee. As they continue, the companion poses questions and suggestions to the boy ("Dear boy, / Black boy, / what do you read? / Chinua Achebe's poems / inspirational indeed") in mostly rhyming text accompanied by bold, vibrant illustrations. Along the way, more Black figures are introduced, among them Barack Obama, Arthur Mitchell, and Elijah McCoy. Eventually, the two arrive at a fork in the road, where the boy receives encouragement about his future and is told that he must begin his own journey. This ode to Black boy joy abounds in positive representation of Black men and serves as a beautiful reminder of a glorious lineage. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An affirming, nurturing, and powerful celebration of Black men, past, present, and future. (biographical notes about the individuals mentioned) (Picture book. 5-7)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from August 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 4-The canon of books celebrating and empowering boys of color continues to grow as this book shines brightly, inspiring them to greatness by introducing the main character and readers to others who have positively impacted and changed the world. Kamanda drafts a friendly letter that begins, "Dear boy," and takes him on a journey down a vivid road, encouraging him to shine like his elders. Every page is devoted to information on men like Colin Kaepernick, Emory Malick, and Barack Obama, and their contributions to America, while simultaneously reassuring the boy that he can dream big and work hard to gain whatever it is he envisions. The body of this story is full of excellent content illustrated in vibrant hues; the superimposed images of the classic and contemporary leaders strengthen the story. As the letter closes, the sunset glows in the background, illuminating the future path of the young male as the author's final words breathe life into this Black boy's journey-a journey he is sure to succeed in if he can harness the power he already has and celebrate the potential within himself. VERDICT A book that educates, empowers, and enlightens-this book belongs in every library.-Tanya Haynes

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 8, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Black Boy, Black Boy is an ode to Black Boy Joy written in an accessible, easy-to-read poetry format. It begins with a Black man and young boy, perhaps father and son, holding hands on a colorful path paved by great Black men before them. As they move along the path, they encounter several of these (mostly historical) figures in arrestingly illustrated double-page spreads that highlight their talents and accomplishments while lifting up core qualities (e.g., courage, caring, commitment) to which the boy might aspire. Together, the pair meets football player Colin Kaepernick, singer Sam Cooke, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., inventor Elijah McCoy, poet Chinua Achebe, President Barack Obama, and many more. In the face of so many inspirational leaders, the boy is invited to see, feel, dream big, realize his power, break boundaries, and "shape [his] own fate." Back matter includes short biographies of all the famous figures featured in the story. A great addition to any #RepresentationMatters classroom or library collection.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.