MY BROWN BOY

Brown youngsters with diverse interests and deep emotions are celebrated in this artful ode to Black boyhood.

In the voice of a proud caregiver, an unseen narrator describes “my brown boy” as someone who “doesn’t play ball,” who loves to create, and who has big dreams. But “our brown boys are sometimes afraid.” “Our brown boys are allowed tears... / It’s their right to cry / and release the anger inside.” The deft transition from “my brown boy” to “our brown boys” celebrates these youngsters’ unique talents and gifts but treats fear and pain as collective and connective rather than isolating. Expressionistic splotches of dark blue accompany an image of a boy burying his head in his knees. Another illustration shows three boys nearly waist-high in a pool of tears, but the mood returns to one of joy as the narrator looks ahead to these boys’ futures as brilliant men. Honoré’s playful and energetic rhythmic text lends itself to a read-aloud experience; in its love of sound and unabashed affection for its subject, it evokes the African American poetic and literary tradition. Bobo’s painted art begs to be pored over, with its wide-ranging palette and use of abstract shapes, textures, layers, and abundant patterns. This heartfelt poem flows effortlessly; these are messages of love and tenderness that brown boys need to hear about themselves—and that the world needs to hear about brown boys.

A tender triumph.