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I Am Every Good Thing
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2020)I am
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.
The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.
The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
37 people are currently reading
4507 people want to read
About the author
Derrick Barnes
28 books251 followersWhere I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 720 reviews
September 24, 2021
Just like me is poems for girl empowerment, and this is just the thing to empower the boys in your life. It’s also poetry, with action and style. Derrick Barnes won the Caldecott award for Crown, An ode to the Fresh cut and the artwork here is so good. It’s bright, colorful, and full of confidence.
There are great messages about valuing yourself and being confident and important. It’s a great book for any growing boy before they hit school. It’s not so much a story as it is a message, an important, and needed message for boys. Girls are getting this in a lot of places and the boys need this too.
There are great messages about valuing yourself and being confident and important. It’s a great book for any growing boy before they hit school. It’s not so much a story as it is a message, an important, and needed message for boys. Girls are getting this in a lot of places and the boys need this too.
October 26, 2020
WOW!!! By now, you know that I am someone always on the look out for books that speak to our young people and encourage them to find and know their worth. I definitely found it in
I Am Every Good Thing
!
The lyrical words of Derrick Barnes set to the vibrant illustrations by Gordon C. James left me speechless on my initial read. This book empowers young African American boys to know that they are so much more than what others often give them credit for. I Am Every Good Thing encourages our sons to recognize that they are powerful, energetic, thoughtful and competent—among other things. “I am worthy of success, of respect, of safety, of kindness, of happiness”.
Each of us needs to make time for this book!!
The lyrical words of Derrick Barnes set to the vibrant illustrations by Gordon C. James left me speechless on my initial read. This book empowers young African American boys to know that they are so much more than what others often give them credit for. I Am Every Good Thing encourages our sons to recognize that they are powerful, energetic, thoughtful and competent—among other things. “I am worthy of success, of respect, of safety, of kindness, of happiness”.
Each of us needs to make time for this book!!
January 14, 2025
I'm crying reading the end of this gorgeous picture book from the team that brought us Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. Genuine and deep love for all that Black boys encompass shines through in this affirming story. I know just which boys in particular in my school are going to gravitate toward this book because they will feel so deeply seen by what's within its pages. Thank you for this gem, Derrick & Gordon! This book is EVERY good thing about picture books and the impact literature and representation can have.
November 11, 2020
Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books. Every Good Thing, written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James, is book #10 (of 20) of 2020. Poems for boys, about self esteem.
Hank (14): 3.5 stars. I like the art but the writing was just okay.
Harry (15): 4.5 stars. Cooool! Cool art!! A fun-loving book that is inspiring..
Tara: 4 stars. I really like this one. More of a kids’ book than the others. And most of the little poems were good and upbeat. Good message, and fun.
Dave: 2.5 stars, mainly because of the art, which I liked more than the norm for picture books. I find the focus of the writing vague, mostly just a bunch of amorphous compliments meant to encourage self-esteem for a range of kids. But the paintings by Gordon C. James are the highlight here, terrific, splashy color with lots of movement. Maybe some of them have turned out to be a little darker than he would have liked on the page.
Hank (14): 3.5 stars. I like the art but the writing was just okay.
Harry (15): 4.5 stars. Cooool! Cool art!! A fun-loving book that is inspiring..
Tara: 4 stars. I really like this one. More of a kids’ book than the others. And most of the little poems were good and upbeat. Good message, and fun.
Dave: 2.5 stars, mainly because of the art, which I liked more than the norm for picture books. I find the focus of the writing vague, mostly just a bunch of amorphous compliments meant to encourage self-esteem for a range of kids. But the paintings by Gordon C. James are the highlight here, terrific, splashy color with lots of movement. Maybe some of them have turned out to be a little darker than he would have liked on the page.
November 2, 2020
Annual Goodreads Choice Awards reading project: Read all the Picture Book nominees! (3 of 15)
I am not a fan of picture books whose sole purpose is to be inspirational, and indeed I am not a fan of inspirational books in general. I prefer a story or humor over a string of statements and metaphors, no matter how sincere or well intentioned. Nice pictures though.
I am not a fan of picture books whose sole purpose is to be inspirational, and indeed I am not a fan of inspirational books in general. I prefer a story or humor over a string of statements and metaphors, no matter how sincere or well intentioned. Nice pictures though.
July 21, 2023
"And without a shadow of a doubt, I am worthy to be loved."
If you are familiar with Derrick Barnes, there is no question nor doubt of what his pages will bring to all Readers of grade levels. Even Adults will enjoy his uplifting words for the younger age group. This Cover picture presents the Empowerment this Author delivers this time around. ⭐
If you are familiar with Derrick Barnes, there is no question nor doubt of what his pages will bring to all Readers of grade levels. Even Adults will enjoy his uplifting words for the younger age group. This Cover picture presents the Empowerment this Author delivers this time around. ⭐
December 2, 2020
Super cute children's picture book!
"The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!"
"The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!"
April 9, 2021
Beautiful message, beautiful illustrations. It doesn't matter what color your skin is to appreciate this latest collaboration by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James. I couldn't help but think of the following Bible verses about self-worth as I was reading: "So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Mt 10:31 and "Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." Lk 12:7.*
This is a book I want to share with everyone, especially my grandsons whose mother is of color.
*Both verses are from the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
This is a book I want to share with everyone, especially my grandsons whose mother is of color.
*Both verses are from the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
June 11, 2020
This book is the epitome of Black joy. Filled with positive messages that celebrate Black boys.
🌟I love to use picture books as copy change models with my 8 graders. This book will be the first copy change writing of next year.
The repeated “I am” invites students to talk about their experiences in everyday life. If you use George Ella Lyon’s Where I’m From poem, I challenge you to replace it with this book. #disrupttexts
coming in September
PS: This book needs to be on your Caldecott and Newbery lists.
🌟I love to use picture books as copy change models with my 8 graders. This book will be the first copy change writing of next year.
The repeated “I am” invites students to talk about their experiences in everyday life. If you use George Ella Lyon’s Where I’m From poem, I challenge you to replace it with this book. #disrupttexts
coming in September
PS: This book needs to be on your Caldecott and Newbery lists.
November 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this beautiful book, written by the authors of Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut and dedicated by Barnes to Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, EJ Bradford, Jordan Edwards, Michael Brown, Jordan Davis, and Julian Mallory. This book celebrates all the wonderful things young black boys are, ending with “I am worthy to be loved.” The illustrations were done with oil paints.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
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September 18, 2020Yes, this book is everything I wanted it to be. From the multiple-award-winning creators of Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut, this is another gorgeous picture book that celebrates and affirms Black boy joy. This is a book to buy for all your sons and I think it's a must for Black households with sons. Joy oozes out of every page and it's a book that reminds Black boys that they are worthy of love and respect.
December 6, 2020
Hamilton East PL, if you are reading this, what happened? Why is this not yet on your shelves? I couldn't wait on your hold list any longer.
I went ahead and purchased to read and to gift to my niece's kindergarten teacher.
I went ahead and purchased to read and to gift to my niece's kindergarten teacher.
October 28, 2020
"History from Black communities tells us that educators don't need to empower youth or give them brilliance or genius. Instead, the power and genius is already within them." - Gholdy Muhammed, Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy (p. 13, 2020)
This book reveals just what Dr. Muhammed is talking about - how the brilliance of our Black students is already within them; they don’t need us to tell them they are amazing or enable them; they need us to nurture that genius that is already there.
My caution to readers making judgments about who to read this book aloud to -- it's not just for Black boys. YES--every Black child should hear this book read aloud and have a lifetime to read and reread. AND--every other child also needs to hear this book read aloud and have unlimited access to reread and enjoy. This book CENTERS the narrator, a beautiful Black boy, as being in control, having the power to name who he is--even when he is afraid. Many of our students, whether they are Black or not, do not encounter this kind of narrator in books very often. We need to NORMALIZE this narrator--make him and his confident self a regular figure that we see in the children's lit that our students have access to. All of our students need to experience this book - so they can see themselves in this text (whether they look like the narrator or not) and/or so they can see the genius/brilliance/power of "others" (or those who may not look like them) in this text.
First – just READ IT ALOUD FOR THE JOY of experiencing the presence of the narrator and the ideas in this book and the beautiful language. There’s so much potential for thoughtful STUDENT-LED and TEACHER-LED CONVERSATIONS with this book, it blows my mind to even contemplate. After some initial conversations focused on IDENTITY (of the narrator and the readers), I’d like to discuss with students the question “HOW DOES THIS TEXT DISRUPT OPPRESSION?” (Thank you, Dr. Muhammed.) Can you imagine the power of a conversation like this??? Even with our younger students???? In any classroom???? Depending on your classroom culture and the types of conversations you have on a regular basis, students may need some support in thinking about this, but that wouldn't make me shy away from it. I'd recommend finding other texts that put the narrator in control of naming who they are and continue having similar conversations.
And, oh my goodness, and then there’s the use of this text as a MENTOR TEXT FOR WRITING. Unbelievable potential.
This book reveals just what Dr. Muhammed is talking about - how the brilliance of our Black students is already within them; they don’t need us to tell them they are amazing or enable them; they need us to nurture that genius that is already there.
My caution to readers making judgments about who to read this book aloud to -- it's not just for Black boys. YES--every Black child should hear this book read aloud and have a lifetime to read and reread. AND--every other child also needs to hear this book read aloud and have unlimited access to reread and enjoy. This book CENTERS the narrator, a beautiful Black boy, as being in control, having the power to name who he is--even when he is afraid. Many of our students, whether they are Black or not, do not encounter this kind of narrator in books very often. We need to NORMALIZE this narrator--make him and his confident self a regular figure that we see in the children's lit that our students have access to. All of our students need to experience this book - so they can see themselves in this text (whether they look like the narrator or not) and/or so they can see the genius/brilliance/power of "others" (or those who may not look like them) in this text.
First – just READ IT ALOUD FOR THE JOY of experiencing the presence of the narrator and the ideas in this book and the beautiful language. There’s so much potential for thoughtful STUDENT-LED and TEACHER-LED CONVERSATIONS with this book, it blows my mind to even contemplate. After some initial conversations focused on IDENTITY (of the narrator and the readers), I’d like to discuss with students the question “HOW DOES THIS TEXT DISRUPT OPPRESSION?” (Thank you, Dr. Muhammed.) Can you imagine the power of a conversation like this??? Even with our younger students???? In any classroom???? Depending on your classroom culture and the types of conversations you have on a regular basis, students may need some support in thinking about this, but that wouldn't make me shy away from it. I'd recommend finding other texts that put the narrator in control of naming who they are and continue having similar conversations.
And, oh my goodness, and then there’s the use of this text as a MENTOR TEXT FOR WRITING. Unbelievable potential.
October 28, 2020
When I first read this wonderfully lyrical, poetic and beautifully illustrated picture book, I couldn't help but think of Hilary Duff's song "I Am." Like the song "I Am", this book is empowering and self-validating.
This is a fantastic book for both children and adults. You are who you say you are - don't let others define you.
I also want to shove this picture book and its beautiful prose into the hands of every racist cop and remind them that George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and countless others were all of the above and more.
Also, check out the YouTube video for this book, which (I believe) plays an excerpt of the audiobook (it's upbeat and catchy!).
I am not what they might call me,
and I will not answer to any name
that is not my own.
I am what I say I am.
This is a fantastic book for both children and adults. You are who you say you are - don't let others define you.
I am a brother,
a son,
a nephew,
a favourite cousin,
a grandson.
I am a friend.
I am real.
I also want to shove this picture book and its beautiful prose into the hands of every racist cop and remind them that George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and countless others were all of the above and more.
Also, check out the YouTube video for this book, which (I believe) plays an excerpt of the audiobook (it's upbeat and catchy!).
March 20, 2020
Thank you Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The artwork was amazing. The writing was poetic and beautiful. And this picture book presented a vital and important message that needs to be heard from the mountaintops. What more can be said about vital and relevant picture book?
The artwork was amazing. The writing was poetic and beautiful. And this picture book presented a vital and important message that needs to be heard from the mountaintops. What more can be said about vital and relevant picture book?
September 8, 2020
Derrick Barnes and Gordon James have done it again. "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" blew me away because the tone and message was so different than most of what's out there, but here's another book of joy, positivity, and power. The mental imagery conjured up by Barnes' musical prose is complemented perfectly by James' lively illustration. Every child should read these affirmations.
September 1, 2020
A gorgeous, affirming picture book beautifully illustrated. “I am every good thing” must be the mantra of every child. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2020
A stunning, beautiful, awesome picture book with a powerful message. I buying one for Chase. Put it in a text set with THE UNDEFEATED. Eti, is the Caldecott Club considering this book?
May 21, 2022
I couldn't possibly like this book any more than I do, @afrokids_germany has once again proven a great source for antiracist and empowering children's lit. This book is a great example of "own voices" literature, with text and illustrations written and made by people with the same experiences as the kids addressed in this book. Derrick Barnes' text is split up into short paragraphs, with empowering messages in affirmation form, such as: "Although I am something like a superhero, every now and then, I am afraid. / I am not what they might call me, and I will not answer to any name that is not my own. I am what I say I am." Gordon C. James' illustrations complete the message of this book beautifully, each picture is unique and has an affectionate quality. The representation and empowerment this book can bring, especially to young, Black boys, should not be underestimated.
January 10, 2021
3.5 out of 5
I Am Every Good Thing is a sweet, poetic and beautifully illustrated picturebook of positive -- empowering -- self-affirmations.
Although I personally prefer picturebooks with some kind of storyline, Derrick Barnes' poem definitely has some great moments. That's why I can't stop quoting it.
Gordon C. James' artwork is full of color, full of movement, full of emotions, especially joy and love. It just feels so... ALIVE:
Since the main reason I picked up I Am Every Good Thing is that it was made by the same duo who created Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, I will indulge myself in a short comparison: I liked the poem in I Am Every Good Thing a little bit less and the illustrations a little bit more (if that's possible).
"I am every good thing that makes the world go round.
You know--like gravity, or the glow of moonbeams
over a field of brand-new snow.
I am good to the core, like the center
of a cinnamon roll.
Yeah, that good."
I Am Every Good Thing is a sweet, poetic and beautifully illustrated picturebook of positive -- empowering -- self-affirmations.
"I am not what they might call me,
and I will not answer to any name
that is not my own.
I am what I say I am."
Although I personally prefer picturebooks with some kind of storyline, Derrick Barnes' poem definitely has some great moments. That's why I can't stop quoting it.
"I am brave. I am hope.
I am my ancestors' wildest dream.
I am worthy of success,
of respect, of safety, of kindness, of happiness.
And without a shadow
of a doubt,
I am worthy
to be loved.
I am worthy
to be loved."
Gordon C. James' artwork is full of color, full of movement, full of emotions, especially joy and love. It just feels so... ALIVE:
Since the main reason I picked up I Am Every Good Thing is that it was made by the same duo who created Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, I will indulge myself in a short comparison: I liked the poem in I Am Every Good Thing a little bit less and the illustrations a little bit more (if that's possible).
October 21, 2020
From the team that created Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut comes a new picture book that speaks in the voice of a Black boy about who he is. He is a leader, thanks to his endless energy. He is every good thing in the world, good to his core, “like the center of a cinnamon roll.” He is skinned knees and getting back up again. He is a scientist exploring his world. He is polite and ready to learn. He is wildly creative, exploring and absorbing information. He is laughter and smiles, the perfect beat and rhyme. He is an athlete, a brother, a son, and much more. He is hugs, support and love. He is not what people call him, but what he knows himself to be inside, sometimes a superhero, and always worthy of love.
This is a book all about empowerment, of seeing your own identity and holding it clear against what society may say about you. It’s a book that all children need, but Black boys most of all, as they are targeted and threatened by the world they live in. It is a book that insists and demands that Black children are every sort of wonderful thing, all wrapped into one person. The text is a poem, playing out across the pages, reminding and telling readers that they are valued and important.
The art by James is gorgeous, centering on the main protagonist in the story, but also showing many other Black boys on the pages with different skin tones, hair and emotions. There are several breathtaking pages, including the final smile on the last page that will stick with readers as he looks right into your eyes.
Another amazing picture book from this team. This book belongs in every library. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This is a book all about empowerment, of seeing your own identity and holding it clear against what society may say about you. It’s a book that all children need, but Black boys most of all, as they are targeted and threatened by the world they live in. It is a book that insists and demands that Black children are every sort of wonderful thing, all wrapped into one person. The text is a poem, playing out across the pages, reminding and telling readers that they are valued and important.
The art by James is gorgeous, centering on the main protagonist in the story, but also showing many other Black boys on the pages with different skin tones, hair and emotions. There are several breathtaking pages, including the final smile on the last page that will stick with readers as he looks right into your eyes.
Another amazing picture book from this team. This book belongs in every library. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
November 1, 2020
"I am not what they might call me,
and I will not answer to any name
that is not my own.
I am what I say I am."
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James, needs to be in every household. It does not matter if the color or gender, but little Black boys especially need this book. Gifted it to a friend, loved one, or coworker!
Barnes writes the book in the form of a poem that yields uplifting affirmations. A genuine smile appeared on my face as I flipped the page and saw Black Boy Joy images; one of the little boys looked like me as a kid. The prevailing narrative of Black boys and men are poisonous to its core, but the quote above states, "I am what I say I am." This quote defines my entire existence as a Black boy, now man, from an underserved community, with all the odds stacked against my success.
I needed this book with the state of the world.
"I am the celebration, the applause,
and the standing ovation.
I am victory."
Thank you, Derrick Barnes.
"I am victory."
and I will not answer to any name
that is not my own.
I am what I say I am."
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James, needs to be in every household. It does not matter if the color or gender, but little Black boys especially need this book. Gifted it to a friend, loved one, or coworker!
Barnes writes the book in the form of a poem that yields uplifting affirmations. A genuine smile appeared on my face as I flipped the page and saw Black Boy Joy images; one of the little boys looked like me as a kid. The prevailing narrative of Black boys and men are poisonous to its core, but the quote above states, "I am what I say I am." This quote defines my entire existence as a Black boy, now man, from an underserved community, with all the odds stacked against my success.
I needed this book with the state of the world.
"I am the celebration, the applause,
and the standing ovation.
I am victory."
Thank you, Derrick Barnes.
"I am victory."
February 4, 2021
2021 March Book Madness nominee. I read this with my 4th grade today and choked up a few time. It is beautifully illustrated and lyrical in the prose. My class talked about the dedication to black boys who were all killed before reaching their 18th birthdays like Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice. The students analyzed why the authors might have written this book specially dedicated to those boys. We analyzed the images and their connections to the words. This is a great book to talk about a tough subject, but my students who are predominately Latino really connected in a thoughtful way. It was a great mentor text to use to segue into issues of social justice (I'm at a Catholic school) and Black History month.
June 10, 2020
In a society that fears Black men and treats Black boys like adults, books that remind Black boys of their goodness are so important, and also, an unlearning that must happen for white children and adults who implicitly see Black boys and men as threats.
I hope in my lifetime a book like this won’t seem like a paradigm shift and instead will only be looked upon as a sweet, uplifting book for children.
I hope in my lifetime a book like this won’t seem like a paradigm shift and instead will only be looked upon as a sweet, uplifting book for children.
January 11, 2021
Gorgeous and empowering! Directed to young Black boys, this book nonetheless made a profound impact on me (a white, 50-something woman).
From the jacket flap copy:
“Let’s hear it for everything that makes you the amazing, awesome, inspiring kid you are ... You are every good thing that makes the world go round. So go ahead and show us your magnificence—all the things that make you, you.”
From the jacket flap copy:
“Let’s hear it for everything that makes you the amazing, awesome, inspiring kid you are ... You are every good thing that makes the world go round. So go ahead and show us your magnificence—all the things that make you, you.”
August 23, 2020
Read by the author on a Penguin webinar 6/24/20
This book is every good thing. Perfection! It is an ode to everything that young Black boys truly are. Everyone is going to want this for their classroom, for all levels!
This book is every good thing. Perfection! It is an ode to everything that young Black boys truly are. Everyone is going to want this for their classroom, for all levels!
September 2, 2020
Uplifting, powerful, and downright beautiful. A book to read in every classroom. Black boys—Black children—need this book.
March 4, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and timely message. This is a book that every library needs in their collection.
March 10, 2022
This is an inspirational picture book that celebrates African American boys. We learn about their goodness, activities, dreams and aspirations, what makes them leaders, and their importance as family members. This is a timeless and worthwhile book for readers looking for positive affirmations of their lives. This book is on the 2022 Monarch list. It is also available on Overdrive as a downloadable audiobook and e-book.
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
October 20, 2021
"I am worthy to be loved."
"I am worthy to be loved."
"I am worthy to be loved."
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