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
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