Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A powerful celebration of Black boyhood and friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CITY SUMMER, COUNTRY SUMMER follows the story of a boy from New York City, nicknamed "New York," who spends a summer in rural Mississippi. There, he slowly forges a bond with a group of local boys, nicknamed "Country." Together, they navigate the challenges of forming friendships across regional, emotional, and expressive differences. As they explore the natural world around them, they learn to empathize with each other's unspoken feelings, finding safety in shared humor and an unexpected sense of understanding. Each of the boys is cared for by loving, grandmother-figures.
Is It Any Good?
This is a rare and heartfelt portrayal of Black boyhood that spotlights emotional vulnerability and empathy. City Summer, Country Summer highlights contrasts between city and country, speed and stillness, as well as fear and trust. Kiese Laymon's lyrical text and Alexis Franklin's evocative art shows a close-knit intergenerational community that makes the book interesting for readers of all ages. The book is an important reminder to appreciate the quiet moments with loved ones and recognize all the ways we can communicate without speaking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in City Summer, Country Summer, boys from different places become close friends. How do friendships change when we come from different places or backgrounds?
Why do you think the boys didn't say how they felt out loud? How do you say "I love you" without using those exact words?
What is the garden in this book a symbol for? What does the garden tell us about the bonds between thes boys?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Alexis Franklin
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kokila
- Publication date : April 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 9
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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