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Parents' Guide to

I Am Every Good Thing

By Barbara Saunders, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Dynamic art, poetry enhance vivid celebration of Black boys.

Book Derrick Barnes Picture Book 2020
I Am Every Good Thing Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

Sheree D.
Sheree D. Parent
October 14, 2023
age 3+

Positive Affirmations for Boys of All Ages.

Outstanding book for little boys but I have found that this "kids picture book" also serves as a book of affirmations for teen and young adult males. I have gifted this book to my own 20 year-old son and to other young adult males who are at a critical points of life, (high school/college graduations) or as they ponder difficult life decisions---career choices , new jobs/ internships, moving out etc.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Written as a poem in the first person, I AM EVERY GOOD THING is a series of affirmations covering a range of human experiences like facing setbacks, enjoying triumphs, and being part of a family and community.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is a joyful, fun book with serious undertones. Writer Derrick Barnes' and illustrator Gordon C. James' dedications in I Am Every Good Thing set the tone. Barnes dedicates the book to boys and young men who came be known to the world only because they were killed. James dedicates it to his son. The words and pictures show Black boys engaging in fun, stereotypically boyish activities like skateboarding and making paper airplanes, pursuing aspirations like studying science, and showing love to others, from helping an elder cross the street to offering a family member a shoulder to cry on. The illustrations are lush and dynamic.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the people from real life mentioned or shown in I Am Every Good Thing. Can you name some of the people who are portrayed as ancestors near the end of the book?

  • The boys in I Am Every Good Thing enjoy sports, music, science, and more. What are your favorite activities? What are you good at?

  • Do you like the art in I Am Every Good Thing? What do you enjoy about it?

Book Details

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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