Black Boy, Rise
Black Boy, Rise by Brynne Barnes is a picture book published by Chronicle Books LLC in 2025, featuring 48 pages in English. This work celebrates the power and potential of young Black boys through a combination of lyrical text and vibrant watercolor illustrations by Bryan Collier. The book draws on the rich legacy of Black literature, referencing influential figures such as Langston Hughes and Lucille Clifton, and aims to reflect the beauty and complexity of Black boyhood.
Readers will find a dynamic anthem that addresses the experiences of Black boys, emphasizing themes of friendship, social skills, and cultural identity. The book is designed for families, educators, and young readers, offering a thoughtful portrayal that empowers and inspires. With its rhythmic rhyming text, Black Boy, Rise serves as a meaningful gift for various occasions, making it a valuable addition to any collection focused on multicultural stories and the celebration of Black joy.
Official synopsis Publisher
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 text–filled 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 Johnson–with 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 children’s 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 lives–whether 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:
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
- Teachers and librarians seeking diverse books
- Anyone interested in books about Black joy or Black history
- Gift-givers looking for a unique and inspiring book for the boys (or men) in their lives
- Readers who loved Martin’s Big Words, I Am Every Good Thing, and Black Boy Joy
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Black Boy, Rise” about?
Who is the author of “Black Boy, Rise”?
When was “Black Boy, Rise” published?
What is the ISBN for “Black Boy, Rise”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
