Black Boy Joy
on Goodreads (1,792)
What’s inside...
Celebrate the joys of Black boyhood with stories from seventeen bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors--including Jason Reynolds (the Track series), Jerry Craft (New Kid), and edited by Kwame Mbalia (the Tristan Strong series)! This vibrant collection features stories, comics, and poems exploring themes like courage, resilience, and self-expression. Contributors include B. B. Alston, Dean Atta, and many more, making this an essential read celebrating the wonders of Black boyhood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite story or character in 'Black Boy Joy', and why did it stand out to you?
How do the boys in the book show strength and joy in their everyday lives?
Do you see any similarities between yourself and the characters in 'Black Boy Joy'? What are they?
What were some of the challenges the characters faced, and how did they overcome them?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite part of the book to make your child feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the stories. Ask what they would do in similar situations to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Use the diverse characters and stories as a springboard to discuss the beauty of differences and the power of joy in their own life.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses to foster an environment where they feel safe and enthusiastic about expressing their feelings and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book presents a rich tapestry of characters, each with unique backgrounds and experiences, showing readers the beauty of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in those around them, promoting inclusivity and tolerance in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: Characters in the book express themselves freely and confidently, showcasing a range of talents and passions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own interests and express themselves confidently, fostering self-esteem and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book highlights how characters support and uplift each other, emphasizing the value of community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in group activities, helping peers, and learning the significance of teamwork and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters face various challenges but manage to overcome them through determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain hopeful and persistent despite difficulties, equipping them with a mindset to tackle their own challenges.
Example Lesson: Joy in Everyday Moments
Explanation: The narrative captures the joy in daily activities and interactions, encouraging a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find happiness in simple moments, enhancing their overall well-being and appreciation of life.