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ngreader's review
4.0
Kay, first of all, this is a book about a *boy* narrator - which I did not know until halfway through the book when I realized every illustration that matched the text featured a male character and then I read the statement "I am a brother, /a son, /a nephew, / a favorite cousin, / a grandson." Idk how I missed that but it wasn't on the jacket description so just a headsup I guess for people like me?
This book though! It was amazing, definitely a message that every child should be told and the illustrations were beautiful and colorful and engaging. I definitely could see the resemblance in style to "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut".
This book though! It was amazing, definitely a message that every child should be told and the illustrations were beautiful and colorful and engaging. I definitely could see the resemblance in style to "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut".
listen_learn's review
4.0
This book is beautiful. The punchy verses complimented by bright, splashy pictures are packed with positive messages of strength AND kindness. The imagery and similes are some of the best I've ever read. Would have been a five star rating except the page about being an undisputed champion really rubbed me the wrong way. Not an ideal I want the children I care about to aspire to.
beths0103's review
5.0
In a society that fears Black men and treats Black boys like adults, books that remind Black boys of their goodness are so important, and also, an unlearning that must happen for white children and adults who implicitly see Black boys and men as threats.
I hope in my lifetime a book like this won’t seem like a paradigm shift and instead will only be looked upon as a sweet, uplifting book for children.
I hope in my lifetime a book like this won’t seem like a paradigm shift and instead will only be looked upon as a sweet, uplifting book for children.
sasha_in_a_box's review
5.0
Wow, this book is vibrant and exhilarating and life-affirming. It's all about Black boys: where they belong (everywhere), what they can do (anything), and what they deserve (love and everything). I love it. Thanks to Penguin for a courtesy copy!
litagentsaritza's review
5.0
Gifted this book to my nephew for his 10th birthday and wanted to keep it for myself! LOL A wonderful book about Black boy joy!
jennifermreads's review
5.0
“I am not what they may call me, and I will not answer to any name that is not my own. I am what I say I am.”
And the narrator of this exquisitely illustrated picture book is confident, funny, smart, adventurous, and creative. The authors ooze love for children; there is no way for a child to read this and NOT feel seen & cared for. It offers a representation that is sorely needed while embracing every child for all their gifts.
And the narrator of this exquisitely illustrated picture book is confident, funny, smart, adventurous, and creative. The authors ooze love for children; there is no way for a child to read this and NOT feel seen & cared for. It offers a representation that is sorely needed while embracing every child for all their gifts.
brandie_shanae's review
5.0
My kids absolutely loved this book. Literally my son had me reading this 5 times in a row because he loved the story but also loved the pictures of the black boys becoming anything they wanted to be and what their hearts desired. I definitely will be reading this more to my children because the story is beautiful on how kids especially boys can do or be anything they want to be regardless of what and how society sees/portray them to be.