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Black Boy, Black Boy
By Stephanie Snyder,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A beautifully illustrated celebration of Black men and boys.
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What's the Story?
In BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY, a Black father guides his son on a journey to greatness. He begins by encouraging him to "rise up" because "It's a new day and a chance to shine." He introduces him to names of Black men -- some well known, some more obscure -- who have made history across a variety of fields, from athlete, author, and activist Colin Kaepernick to William Goines, the first Black Navy Seal, to award-winning writer Chinua Achebe and more. The father inspires his son to take on the qualities and skills that helped these men achieve, like courage, passion, pride, positive self-esteem, and a strong work ethic.
Is It Any Good?
This beautiful reminder of the powerful influence of Black men should be read by all. Black Boy, Black Boy is a compelling ode to dynamic Black men -- those who have already made a difference and those who are well on their way to changing the world. The colorful pages convey images of love, pride, and power. Through the repeated line "Dear boy, Black boy," young Black boys will be able to make connections to the loving calls to rise up and walk in their greatness, especially as they see their identities reflected in Ken Daley's vibrant illustrations. The biographies at the end provide a starting point for readers to learn more about these inspirational men in Black history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about influential Black male leaders in Black Boy, Black Boy. Which of these men have you heard of? Who had you not heard of? Who do you want to learn more about?
In the book, the boy's father encourages him. Who in your life encourages you? What have they taught you? How do they inspire you?
Why is it important for people other than Black boys to read this book as well?
Book Details
- Authors: Ali Kamanda , Jorge Redmond
- Illustrator: Ken Daley
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
- Publication date: August 9, 2022
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 10, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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Where to Read
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