This book is a collection of poems about how African American boys should see themselves and how others should see them too. This is such an important book because representation is such an important part of how people see themselves. I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of race because of its contents and beautiful illustration. ( )

This book of poetry is written in Tanka form which is a Japanese form of poetry. Each poem has 31 syllables and is written in one unbroken line. The poems in this book celebrate all things about Black boys. I love the poems and illustrations! ( )

This book includes 13 different poems, all written in tanka form (similar to haiku; 5 lines - 5-7-5-7-7) by Tony Medina. Each poem is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, each by a different artist. The poems share the experience and perspective of male black youths, especially those living in urban areas. The end of the book includes short biographical writings about each illustrator as well as information about the book, the tanka format and poetry in general.