Little Black boy

K-Gr 2--What can a little Black boy do? Anything! With guidance and support, this child learns that whatever he sets his mind to, he can accomplish. He is about 10--12 years old and depicted as vibrant, energetic, and curious. Readers just know he is destined to do amazing things because he has a support system to help him along the way. His interest in marine biology is fostered by caring adults and teachers. The prose--"You're here with a purpose; we're so glad you came. What starts as a spark will turn into a flame"--is positive, inviting, and flows well. A child of any culture will relate to the simple but powerful message of this book. The digitally rendered illustrations gratifyingly carry readers along as the boy's interest in marine biology expands. Pair with other inspiring titles such as Peter Reynolds's Be You or Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Dear Boy. VERDICT An encouraging story sure to touch the hearts of all readers, and a rousing story time addition.--Martha Rico

A Black boy's love of all things aquatic leads to an interest in marine biology and the dream of one day helping the underwater world he finds so fascinating. The boy's passion for all things water is clear, as the book opens with him studying aquatic life in an aquarium. His love of water gradually morphs from splashing in small kiddie pools to learning to swim and eventually to jumping off the diving board. A Black father figure encourages his exploration of the sea, guiding him as he snorkels and kayaks. The boy's concern for life under the sea grows as he learns more about the pollution affecting the marine creatures and cleans up litter on beaches. All the while, the unseen narrator encourages the boy and urges him to avoid toxic masculinity (" 'Toughen up, you may hear, or 'Act like a man'… // But there's no rush to grow up"). He gains much-needed perspective and courage by looking to other trailblazing Black marine biologists. The illustrations and palette fit the overall theme of this rousing book. Soft shades of blue, light teal, and pale green effectively convey the overall feeling of being immersed in the landscape of the sea. The encouraging nature of the rhyming text pairs well with the illustrations. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An uplifting book about the wonder and joy Black boys can find while pursuing their passions. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.