The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze
| AUTHOR | Barnes, Derrick |
| PUBLISHER | Viking Books for Young Readers (09/23/2025) |
| PRODUCT TYPE | Hardcover (Hardcover) |
Description
LONGISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - Newbery Honoree Derrick Barnes tackles timely issues of race and prejudice in this powerful, nuanced novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen for who he is.
"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
? "Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high 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. Overnight, Henson's town is divided into two chaotic sides--those that support his decisions, and those that don't--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 those who may not even see him as human, or if he's destined for a different kind of greatness. Written for children ages 10 and up, Derrick Barnes's groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America's obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, this exceptional novel shows how much has changed over centuries . . . and, at the same time, how little.
"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
? "Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high 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. Overnight, Henson's town is divided into two chaotic sides--those that support his decisions, and those that don't--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 those who may not even see him as human, or if he's destined for a different kind of greatness. Written for children ages 10 and up, Derrick Barnes's groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America's obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, this exceptional novel shows how much has changed over centuries . . . and, at the same time, how little.
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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13:
9781984836755
ISBN-10:
1984836757
Binding:
Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language:
English
More Product Details
Page Count:
272
Carton Quantity:
12
Product Dimensions:
5.70 x 1.10 x 8.40 inches
Weight:
0.80 pound(s)
Feature Codes:
Price on Product,
Ikids
Country of Origin:
US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes - Prejudice & Racism
Juvenile Fiction | African American & Black
Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation - Football
Grade Level:
5th Grade
and up
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level:
0
Point Value:
0
Guided Reading Level:
Not Applicable
Dewey Decimal:
FIC
Library of Congress Control Number:
2025014620
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
publisher marketing
LONGISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD - Newbery Honoree Derrick Barnes tackles timely issues of race and prejudice in this powerful, nuanced novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen for who he is.
"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
? "Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high 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. Overnight, Henson's town is divided into two chaotic sides--those that support his decisions, and those that don't--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 those who may not even see him as human, or if he's destined for a different kind of greatness. Written for children ages 10 and up, Derrick Barnes's groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America's obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, this exceptional novel shows how much has changed over centuries . . . and, at the same time, how little.
"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
? "Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high 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. Overnight, Henson's town is divided into two chaotic sides--those that support his decisions, and those that don't--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 those who may not even see him as human, or if he's destined for a different kind of greatness. Written for children ages 10 and up, Derrick Barnes's groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America's obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, this exceptional novel shows how much has changed over centuries . . . and, at the same time, how little.
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