I Am Every Good Thing
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that I Am Every Good Thing, written by Derrick Barnes (King of Kindergarten) and illustrated by Gordon C. James (the team that created Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut), introduces the reader to an invincible Black teen boy who confidently explores the world around him and who loves and is loved.
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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?
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
- Author: Derrick Barnes
- Illustrator: Gordon C. James
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: STEM, Sports and Martial Arts, Superheroes, Adventures, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date: August 15, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: September 25, 2020
For kids who love picture books and stories of boys' adventures
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