Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy, by Tony Medina (I Am Alfonso Jones) pairs Medina's poems with illustrations by 13 artists, including recent Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award recipients. Poems and illustrations depict black boys and young men -- and their families and community mentors -- going about their lives. They flirt, run for the bus, worry about money, sit on the stoop, go to church, build robots in the classroom lab, and more. The words and images send the messages that black boys are human, multifaceted, and beautiful. In addition to presenting positive images of black boys and black families, this text teaches the tanka form in poetry and makes reference to several other literary works: Wallace Stevens' poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" from 1954; Raymond Patterson's collection and its title poem "Twenty-Six Ways of Looking at a Black Man" from 1969; and Henry Louis Gates' collection of essays and interviews, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Man from 1997.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT A BLACK BOY consists of 13 tankas (31-syllable poems) and accompanying illustrations depicting black boys and young men living their lives at school, church, and in their families and communities.
Is It Any Good?
This beautiful book can boost readers' pride and self-esteem. The words and images in Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina depict black boys having a diversity of experiences and states of being. Sometimes the subjects of the poems and illustrations are regal or mystical; other times they are down-to-earth or downtrodden. In all cases, their humanity is evident. The artwork shows a great deal of variety in styles: soft pastels, expressionistic pieces with heavy strokes, surrealistic images, and graphic pieces.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different things black boys are shown doing and feeling in Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy, and how everyone is special. What makes your life special?
How does the art help you understand the ideas and feelings in the poems?
Try telling a story in just a few words.
Book Details
- Author: Tony Medina
- Illustrators: Floyd Cooper, Skip Hill, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Tiffany McKnight, Robert Liu-Trujillo, Keith Mallett, Shawn K. Alexander, Kesha Bruce, Brianna McCarthy, R. Gregory Christie, Ekua Holmes, Javaka Steptoe, Chandra Cox
- Genre: Poetry
- Topics: Adventures, Arts and Dance, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Penny Candy Books
- Publication date: June 3, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 11
- Number of pages: 44
- Last updated: June 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love picture books and stories that boost self-esteem
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate