Good Books
Be Boy Young, Gifted and Talented
Ivy F. DeShield, contributing editor
The celebrated writer and cultural critic bell hooks encapsulates the wonders of being a young boy in terms of self-discovery, self-reflection and awareness of the outside world in the playful, poetic piece, Be Boy Buzz. Amidst colorful shapes and scribbles, little boys, awash in a spectrum of soft brown watercolor strokes, leap from page to page, “laughing, crying, telling [their] story, talking way too loud. Then sitting all quiet still.” A perfect ode to and read for pre-school age children, hooks and the illustrator, Chris Raschka, form a dynamic collaboration in this volume through active language and highly animated images that will readily capture the attention of a young child and leave a lasting, positive impact.
From the first assertive statement, “I be boy,” to the thoughtful closing discovery, “In love with being a boy,” we follow these young males’ exploration of the world around them and their simple and direct; yet poignant, interpretations of their existence. The reader witnesses them in all of their prime, puppy dog tail glory: running, jumping, dreaming and simply being enviably childish, vibrant and beautiful in a whirlwind of endless time and space. Raschka perfectly illustrates their boundless futures by matching their offbeat antics with geometric continuity, filling every open space with a harmonious blend of warmth, exuberance and delight.
This wonderfully-composed work will stir the imagination of any child, as it reflects their inner thoughts and emotions in a candid, uncomplicated fusion of charm, wit and grace. The overall appeal of this book to both young and more mature audiences stems primarily from the unrehearsed, yet familiar, high-spirited voice that echoes in shouts and whispers from start to finish. We have heard their laughter and rough camaraderie as they tumble on the playground, sighed at their endless, silly pranks and smiled secretly as they reached for another goodnight kiss. In Be Boy Buzz, hooks irresistible, curly-haired youngsters are the subjects and speakers of this loving, poetic homage to childhood. Whether they are naughty or nice, these boys are “All ready for the world” and standing tall with stubborn mouths, bright eyes and splendid elegance. Listen closely, and you will hear their cry. Young, gifted, talented and all-abuzz.
bell hooks is Distinguished Professor in Residence in Appalachian Studies at Berea College. Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, she has chosen the lowercase pen name bell hooks, based on the names of her mother and grandmother, to emphasize the importance of the substance of her writing as opposed to who she is. She is the author of over thirty books, many of which have focused on issues of social class, race, and gender.
