Black Boy, Black Boy
What’s inside...
A powerful and thought-provoking collection of poetry and prose that explores the experiences of black boys and men in America. The work delves into the complexities of black masculinity, racism, identity, and the struggles of growing up black in a society that often marginalizes and dehumanizes black people. Additionally, it aims to inspire black boys to imagine all the great things they can do while celebrating remarkable moments from Black history!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What dreams and aspirations do you have after reading about the achievements of the characters?
How did the book make you feel about being unique and proud of who you are?
Can you imagine yourself in any of the character's shoes? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think it's important to read about people from different backgrounds?
How can we help others who might feel left out or different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open dialogue by sharing your own experiences related to the themes in the book.
Validate the child's feelings and perspectives, showing genuine interest in their thoughts.
Use examples from the book to discuss overcoming challenges and setting goals.
Promote empathy by discussing how understanding diverse stories can influence our behavior towards others.
Highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, relating them back to the child's school or community environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Black Boy, Black Boy' celebrates the beauty of being different and teaches children to accept and cherish diversity in themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by inclusively playing and interacting with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting unity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: The story encourages young black boys to be proud of their heritage and confident in their abilities, despite societal challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children approach life's challenges with confidence, participate actively in class, and express their opinions without fear.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The narrative portrays the protagonist overcoming obstacles and challenges with determination, showcasing the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in solving a tough math problem or learning a new sport.
Example Lesson: Inspiration Through Real-life Role Models
Explanation: The book introduces children to influential black figures, inspiring them through real success stories.
Real-World Application: Children can draw motivation from these role models to pursue their dreams and aspirations, understanding that success is attainable.
Example Lesson: Awareness and Social Justice
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book sensitizes children to social justice issues, helping them understand the importance of fairness and equality.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be thoughtful and considerate in their actions, and to stand up against bullying or unfair treatment of others.