Black Boy, Rise
By (Author) Brynne Barnes
Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Chronicle Books
Chronicle Books
1st April 2025
8th May 2025
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage general interest: Boys and men
Hardback
48
Width 279mm, Height 229mm
A bold anthem that celebrates the power and potential of young Black boys by the award-winning creative team of author Brynne Barnes and superstar illustrator Bryan Collier.
From the celebrated author of Black Girl Rising and Colors of Me and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and multiple-award-winning illustrator of Trombone Shorty, Rosa, and many more, this is a picture book to read, share, and cherish across generations.
Black Boy, Rise combines gorgeous, moving textfilled 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 Johnsonwith vibrant, beautifully rendered watercolor images 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 childrens literature that positively portrays and celebrates Black boyhood.
A GREAT GIFT: From graduation to birthdays to other milestone events, this book makes a perfect present for anyone looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the men in their liveswhether sons, grandsons, nephews, cousins, or friends.
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.
Perfect for:
"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
Brynne Barnes colors the world with her pen, writing stories, poetry, and songs. Her picture books are a celebration of all children everywhere, including Black Girl Rising, Colors of Me, and Books Do Not Have Wings. Michigan-born, Brynne teaches English at Schoolcraft College and was honored at the State Capitol in a special tribute in 2021 for her service as a Michigan author and educator. Visit her at brynnebarnes.com.
Bryan Collier is a beloved illustrator known for his unique style, combining watercolor and detailed collage. He has won many awards, including four Caldecott Honors (for Trombone Shorty, Dave the Potter, Martins Big Words, and Rosa) and six Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards. His recent books include We Are Here, Mayas Song, Music Is a Rainbow, and Love Is Loud. He lives in New York with his family. See more of Bryan's work at etsy.com/shop/brycollier