Black Boy, Rise

by Brynne Barnes Narrated by Brynne Barnes

Overview

A bold anthem that celebrates the power and potential of young Black boys by the award-winning creative author Brynne Barnes.

From the celebrated author of Black Girl Rising and Colors of Me, this is a book to read, share, and cherish across generations.

Black Boy, Rise combines gorgeous, moving text filled with lyrical references to poets and writers whose voices have lifted and defined the Black experience, including Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, W. E. B. Du Bois, and James Weldon Johnson, that powerfully reflect the soul and gloriousness of Black boys in all their brilliance: the rich legacy of their past, the grit and grace of their present, and the divine promise of their future.

BLACK JOY: This dynamic anthem speaks directly to the need of families, educators, and young readers to see the full beauty, richness, and complexity of Black boys' experiences reflected in thoughtful, empowering children's literature that positively portrays and celebrates Black boyhood.

AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOKS FOR KIDS: For fans of All Because You Matter and Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, Brynne Barnes brings a fresh spin with her rhythmic rhyming text that exhorts readers to 'Make beauty. Make joy. Make believe, and pretend. Make wonder. Makes wishes. Make magic begin.'

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A moving and uplifting celebration of Black boyhood.” — Booklist 

“A stirring and powerful celebration…. In its empowering, joyful depictions of Black experiences, this book inspires, uplifts, and affirms the beauty of Black boyhood” — School Library Journal, Starred Review 

“A uniquely gorgeous portrayal of Black boy joy.” — Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

2025-01-18
A tribute to Black boyhood and Langston Hughes’ poetry.

As a child scales a jungle gym, an unseen narrator asks who told him he could leap, climb, or laugh. “Get out of thoseclouds. / Don’t set your sights so high.” Intertextual references to Hughes’ poems punctuate the verse, but the narrator tells the boy that Hughes’ exhortations weren’t meant for him. He should stick to dribbling, dunking, and tackling; he should stay quiet, “headdown.” After telling the boy what he can’t or shouldn’t do and be—echoing mainstream American society’s treatment of Black boys—the narrative voice turns more uplifting, telling the boy that he’s a delight to his ancestors. Collier’s rich, moving collage illustrations emphasize the boy’s active nature while also depicting him as the culmination of generations of struggle. Four African women, each holding a pineapple (symbols of welcome), stand at the threshold of their respective homes, and the faces of Black adults—perhaps ancestors or guardians—appear on the trunk of the tree the boy climbs. Translucent blue marbles float on several double-page spreads, suggesting the power of the boy’s imagination. Collier’s luscious illustrations will appeal to readers, but the negative beginning may confuse them, while the frequent allusions to texts that most children will be unfamiliar with will limit their interest in this book.

The verse is too lofty for its young audience, though the visuals offer a uniquely gorgeous portrayal of Black boy joy.(Picture book. 7-10)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940194410934
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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