The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

By (author) Barnes Derrick
Short description/annotation:
Author of the Newbery Honor book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and National Book Award finalist Victory. Stand!, Derrick Barnes tackles timely issues of race and prejudice in this powerful, nuanced middle grade novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen as human.
Description:
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom who many have wondered if he was super-human. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play senior school ball, and now they’re overjoyed to finally possess an elite Black athlete of their own. Until a horrifying incident forces Henson to speak out about injustice. Until he says that he might not play football anymore. Until he quickly learns he isn’t as loved by the people as he thought. In that moment, Henson’s town is divided into two chaotic sides when all he wants is justice. Even his best friends and his father can’t see eye to eye. When he is told to play ball again or else, Henson must decide whether he was born to entertain people who may not even see him as human, or if he’s destined for a different kind of greatness. Derrick Barnes’s groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America’s strange obsession with the Black body, relegated to labour or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, it shows how much has changed over centuries. . . and, at the same time, how little.
Review quote:
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 Newb