Editorials
Children's Literature -
Antwan Worthy struggles with reading aloud and does not understand why Miss Palmer makes her students do it in front of the whole class. His father helps him understand the importance of reading and gives Antwan some tips he learned when he was in school. Antwan is just one of the title's twelve brown boys, whose stories come from a broad range of backgrounds and a wide geographical span. These stories strive to show the depth of the African American experience, from Jamaica, to Santa Monica, to Northeastern cities, and from those in broken urban homes to those raised in private schools by successful parents. Each boy struggles with a problem that will be familiar to many readers. Alfred learns about the African people and culture and finds a way to use his strong leadership skills. Jamal lives in an area with almost no other Black children, but reconciles his heroes and ideas of racism with his group of white friends. William lets his intelligence and clever ideas shine, even though it costs him a friendship that turns to jealousy. Tyree's purpose in writing this book is pretty clear: he wants to provide positive Black role models by showing Black boys resolving common problems in a positive way, with varied amounts of support. The tone is didactic and a few major issues are solved a little too simply, but the stories are well written and the characters are interesting. Tyree's focus does limit the audience but he serves the target niche well. Reviewer: Jennifer LehmannSchool Library Journal
Gr 4-7
Tyree may bill himself as "Mr. Creative," but his debut for young readers leaves some room for doubt. This collection of unrelated short stories is about 12 African-American preteens who find themselves in a variety of situations and settings. The selections are unoriginal and feature stereotypical characters, such as the loud-mouthed New York hoodlum who is sent to spend the summer with relatives in "Summer Down South" to the sports star (football, basketball, and baseball are all featured) in "Born Leader" and "Big Dreams." Despite the author's attempt to show growth, the characters seem one-dimensional, working solely within their stereotypes. Though they undergo a "change of heart," it feels hollow rather than sincere since most of the boys are helped out by sage elders who happen to step in at just the right time. Their preachy, moralistic viewpoints are eagerly embraced by the boys and result in happy "Chicken-Soup-for-the-Soul" endings. Even if young people are initially attracted to the graphics on the cover, none of the stories is engaging enough to keep them turning the pages.-H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL