Author: Ali Kamanda & Jorge Redmond
Illustrator: Ken Daley
Publisher: Sourcebooks Explore
Ages: All Ages
Written in rhyming verse, Black Boy, Black Boy serves the dual purpose of providing not only a wonderfully inspirational message of empowerment, but also adds many examples of of the rich contributions Black men have contributed to our society.
In brief snapshots, well-supported by Daley’s big, bright, bold illustrations, Kamanda & Redmond take us on a journey through Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come, Chinua Achebe’s poetry, and Arthur Mitchell’s dancing. [And these are just a few of the men featured in the book.] At the book’s conclusion, brief biographies sketch out the men’s lives, inviting further research and exploration.
It is in the springboard function where the book truly shines. By providing wonderful, varied examples, children and adults are likely to find Black men whose contributions where previously unknown to them–sparking the desire to learn more. That desire, and the excitement it brings, is key to maintaining the inspirational message the book delivers.
Black Boy, Black Boy (Amazon)*
Black Boy, Black Boy (Support an Independent Bookstore)*
My thanks to Sourcebooks Explore for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
More books for this Age Group can be found here and here.
Please, leave comments! I love a HEALTHY exchange of ideas. After all, critical thinking is essential to life.
*When something is purchased using one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept any monies for any editorial reviews. Our opinions, to the chagrin of many, are our own.