Black Boy, Black Boy

by Ali Kamanda, Jorge Redmond, Ken Daley (Illustrator)

Overview

Inspire Black boys to imagine all the great things they can do while celebrating remarkable moments from Black history!

Dear boy, Black boy, I believe in you so.

Let's start your story—ready, set, go.

From athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick to musician Sam Cooke, inventor Elijah McCoy and writer Chinua Achebe, there are so many inspirational men in Black history. This lyrical, rhythmic text encourages boys to imagine everything they can be and the great things they can do, drawing on the strength of people throughout history that paved the way for Black boys today.

Black Boy, Black Boy tells today's boys: you have the courage, you are the light. It's a new day! Be inspired and motivated by drawing on the history of the role models that came before you.

Black Boy, Black Boy is perfect for those looking for:

-inspirational books for kids

-joyful Black childrens' books

-Black history books for kids

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728250663
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	08/09/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	753,937
File size:	12 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda is an award-winning filmmaker and social entrepreneur from Sierra Leone, West Africa. He runs BIKO Studios, a cross-cultural film production company and is the President of Salone Rising, a not-for-profit organization that provides micro-financing and mentoring resources to small business owners in rural Sierra Leone. Jorge Redmond currently works in the Buncombe County District Attorney’s office as an Assistant District Attorney, and as an adjunct professor in South College’s Legal Department. Ali and Jorge are college friends, and BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY is their debut book.

Ken Daley is an award-winning artist/illustrator from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Ken’s passion lies with stories that reflect his heritage as the child of immigrants, his connection to the Caribbean, and the richness and expanse of of the African diaspora. He believes that diverse stories are essential to creating a more just and equitable world and this is something he is deeply committed to manifesting through his art.

Editorial Reviews

"An uplifting and gorgeously illustrated picture book." — poets.org

"When I read Black Boy, Black Boy, so many of my at-risk students came to mind. These authors have a keen understanding of how to deliver a powerful message of encouragement and hope, relevant to all readers but most especially to our black boys who can draw on the courageous leaders of the past and present to build a bright future for themselves." — Robin Overby Cox, Library Media Specialist (Benham, TX)

"This beautiful picture book celebrates the future and the power of black boy joy, as a young boy is inspired by those who came before him. " — The Ashville-Citizen Times

"It's a cool book with lots of famous people who can help me learn how to be a good person" — Roderick W., Texas student

"A book that educates, empowers, and enlightens—this book belongs in every library" — School Library Journal, STARRED review

"A welcome gift...inspirational. " — The Eagle Times

"Black Boy, Black Boy...inspires and informs." — Terri Schlichenmeyer, Bookworm Sez

"Full of Black boy joy, this book will be a great addition to your home library." — Fabulize Magazine

"This ode to Black boy joy abounds in positive representation of Black men and serves as a beautiful reminder of a glorious lineage. An affirming, nurturing, and powerful celebration of Black men, past, present, and future" — Kirkus Reviews

"A wonderful letter to young Black men... Definitely a must read for any child" — Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"Will captivate young readers." — Seattle Book Review

"Black Boy, Black Boy is an ode to Black Boy Joy written in an accessible, easy-to-read poetry format... A great addition to any #RepresentationMatters classroom or library collection." — Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 08/01/2022

PreS-Gr 4—The canon of books celebrating and empowering boys of color continues to grow as this book shines brightly, inspiring them to greatness by introducing the main character and readers to others who have positively impacted and changed the world. Kamanda drafts a friendly letter that begins, "Dear boy," and takes him on a journey down a vivid road, encouraging him to shine like his elders. Every page is devoted to information on men like Colin Kaepernick, Emory Malick, and Barack Obama, and their contributions to America, while simultaneously reassuring the boy that he can dream big and work hard to gain whatever it is he envisions. The body of this story is full of excellent content illustrated in vibrant hues; the superimposed images of the classic and contemporary leaders strengthen the story. As the letter closes, the sunset glows in the background, illuminating the future path of the young male as the author's final words breathe life into this Black boy's journey—a journey he is sure to succeed in if he can harness the power he already has and celebrate the potential within himself. VERDICT A book that educates, empowers, and enlightens—this book belongs in every library.—Tanya Haynes

School Library Journal

2022-06-22
A young Black boy and an adult companion journey hand in hand as they discuss the achievements of inspirational Black male figures.

The frontispiece, featuring colorful, joyful, and mosaiclike illustrations of the child and his stylishly dressed adult companion engaged in various activities, sets the tone for the opening text: “Dear boy, Black boy, rise up, it’s time. / It’s a new day and a chance to shine.” As the boy points ahead, the sun beams down, illuminating the path. A figure wearing a football uniform emblazoned with the number seven appears ahead of them (“A story of courage that starts on this day. / Courage like these men who paved a way”)—Colin Kaepernick, who is illustrated taking a knee. As they continue, the companion poses questions and suggestions to the boy (“Dear boy, / Black boy, / what do you read? / Chinua Achebe’s poems / inspirational indeed”) in mostly rhyming text accompanied by bold, vibrant illustrations. Along the way, more Black figures are introduced, among them Barack Obama, Arthur Mitchell, and Elijah McCoy. Eventually, the two arrive at a fork in the road, where the boy receives encouragement about his future and is told that he must begin his own journey. This ode to Black boy joy abounds in positive representation of Black men and serves as a beautiful reminder of a glorious lineage. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An affirming, nurturing, and powerful celebration of Black men, past, present, and future. (biographical notes about the individuals mentioned) (Picture book. 5-7)

Kirkus Reviews