Descriptions, Reviews, etc.
Description:
Thirteen-year-old Henson Blayze strives to be seen as more than just a football player in his predominantly white small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, but when a horrific incident compels him to speak out, he must choose between playing football and seeking justice.
Review Quotes: A CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR HONOR BOOK
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, The Week Junior, Audible, Chicago Public Library
KIRKUS PRIZE FINALIST
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST SELECTION
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD HONOREE
SOUTHERN BOOK PRIZE FINALIST
★ "Barnes has masterfully crafted a story that's grounded in history and has fantastical elements woven into it. Henson is an irresistible lead surrounded by a strong supporting cast, and his story sheds light on the reality of racial dynamics. Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed." --
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "This powerful tale of race and American culture and history seamlessly weaves a popular middle grade topic, football, with crucial lessons about justice and humanity for tween and younger teens. This is Barnes at his best." --
School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Barnes weaves together stories of spirituality, injustice, unrealistic expectations, and police brutality into a powerful tale." --
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "For readers prepared to look critically at American sports culture and its intersections with legacy white supremacy, this contemporary novel, both in its messaging and prose, is presented with a timeless rhythm, a modern folktale that leaves a damning indictment." --
BCCB, starred review
"After the book is closed, it leaves behind a glimmer of enchantment . . . A memorable read." --
The New York Times "A unique, powerful tale." --
Booklist "Barnes creates something bigger than a traditional sports novel with an effective combination of well-realized characters, a contemporary setting rooted in history, and mythic elements that lend a transcendent feel... A memorable story (with a powerful opening author's note) that takes a strong stand for true history." --
Horn Book "You've never read a book like this. Derrick Barnes takes all forms of storytelling available to him--allegory, folktales, and classics--to weave a novel that is empowered, empowering, and incredibly human. You won't be the same after reading it."
--Erin Entrada Kelly, two-time winner of the Newbery Medal
"With humor, honesty and a touch of magic, Derrick Barnes gives a powerfully told tale of self discovery and community, a delightful ode to boyhood, manhood, sonhood, fatherhood and the blues."
--Sabaa Tahir, National Book Award-winning author of
All My Rage "Derrick Barnes has been one of greatest writers in the nation for a while, but this book cements him as one of the most genius storytellers the world has ever witnessed. The skill, mystery, and propelling prose here are absolutely once in a generation."
--Kiese Laymon, Carnegie Medal-winning author of
Heavy: An American Memoir "A gut-wrenching and heart-expanding novel that celebrates an incredibly human hero."
--Ibi Zoboi, author of the National Book Award finalist
American Street "A breathtaking story--one that moved me to tears, laughter, and reflection. With vibrant prose, unflinching honesty, and love that sings on every page, Derrick Barnes has given us a gift that is equal parts powerful, necessary, and hopeful. Through the eyes of Henson--a character you will cheer for, cry for, and want to hold tenderly--we explore what it means to grow up Black in America: the joy, the pain, the dreams, and the weight of simply existing. This novel is another powerful offering from a writer whose heart beats fiercely for a better world, and whose voice we desperately need in the ongoing conversation about who we are, where we've been, and where we must go next."
--Frederick Joseph,
New York Times bestselling author of
This Thing of Ours
"Henson Blaze might end up being the most unforgettable character of 2025."
--Colby Sharp, co-founder of Nerdy Book Club
"This book will carve out its own legacy . . . It's brilliant, necessary, and exceptional."
--Pernille Ripp, creator of the Global Read Aloud
