I Am Every Good Thing

(Paperback)

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Description

Selected by Oprah Magazine as one of its 'essential books for discussing racism with kids'.

I am a non-stop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference-maker. A leader.
Step inside the mind of the confident narrator of this book. He is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and will see them through. He's creative, adventurous, smart, funny. A good friend. A superhero. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's often misunderstood. So, slow down, look and listen as he shows you who he really is

Featured in the Booktrust Great Books Guide 2021

Observer Childrens Picture Book of the Month

Perfect for fans of Dapo Adeolas Hey You!

Pitch-perfect Gordon C Jamess painted portraits brim with spirit and dignity. The result is a truly special book by an American author-illustrator duo at the top of their game Imogen Carter, Observer

A poetic paean to the brilliance of black boys, its energetic pages filled with courage, joy and vivid, dynamic illustrations Guardian

A powerful celebration of Black boyhood Booklist, starred review

A much-needed book for Black children when society demonstrates otherwise Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This beautiful and necessary book that affirms Black boys and their right to thrive Horn Book, starred review

An empowering ode to Black boy joy Publishers Weekly, starred review

Page after page of empowering text speaks to energetic children everywhere School Library Journal, starred review

Reviews

Children everywhere should read I AM EVERY GOOD THING. It is beautiful, joyous & life affirming. David Walliams

A poetic paean to the brilliance of black boys, its energetic pages filled with courage, joy and vivid, dynamic illustrations. Guardian

A stunning visual poem dedicated to supporting and loving black boys, I Am Every Good Thing features incredible illustration from Gordon C. James which really brings a tear to the eye on some particularly emotive spreads. Booktrust

Barnes and James provide us with a range of powerful, positive names to call Black boys as they urge us to see them, to love them, and to let them live their lives as they deserve.' Horn Book

'Together, Jamess energetic portraiture and Barness affirming text powerfully and ecstatically convey the idea that all Black boys are worthy to be loved.' Publisher Weekly

'The text has a cadence that demands to be read out loud, performed, sung, or shouted with joy and veracity. The need for a book like this, at a moment like this, could not be greater.' Booklist

A much-needed book for Black children.' Kirkus

'A worthy and timely choice for every collection.' School Library Journal

'Barnes playful, potent style draws on inviting metaphor to lift this well above the usual supportive picture book celebration.' BCCB

Author Bio

Derrick Barnes is an award-winning American author. His books include the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten, as well as the critically acclaimed picture book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, and the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers. He is the author of the bestselling Ruby and the Booker Boys series, and his first YA novel, The Making of Dr. Truelove, was recognised by the American Library Association as a Quick Pick For Reluctant Readers. As well as being an acclaimed author, Derrick was also the first African-American male staff writer for Hallmark Cards, and now owns the copy-writing company Say Word Creative Communications. He is the creator of the popular blog 'Raising the Mighty', where he "chronicles the experience of bringing up four beautiful Black boys in America." He lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Gordon C. James is the award-winning illustrator of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. His other books include Let 'Er Buck!: George Fletcher, the People's Champion, written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, and the Scraps of Time series, written by Patricia McKissack. He is the recipient of a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal, and his work has been featured in International Artist Magazine, and is part of the Paul R. Jones Collection. Gordon lives with his family in Charlotte, North Carolina.