Why Black Boy Joy Belongs on Every Bookshelf
Guest post by Make a Way Media, 2025 Super Platinum Sponsor
Somewhere along the way, the world decided that Black boys must always be serious. That their stories must be rooted in trauma or history. That their smiles are optional, or earned. That their joy is an afterthought, instead of a basic human right.
We’re here to rewrite that narrative.
This summer, as families, educators, and libraries stock up on books that mold young minds, it’s more important than ever to pause and ask an essential question: Where is the joy? And more importantly, whose joy are we shining a light on?
Because Black boy joy isn’t optional. It’s vital. Celebrating joy reminds readers of the power and necessity of uplifting Black boy narratives.
What Is Black Boy Joy?
Black boy joy isn’t just a hashtag or a passing trend. It’s a movement. A mission. A mirror—a reflection of freedom.
It’s the magic that happens when a Black boy feels free to laugh without holding back, explore the world without fear, and be fully himself without shame. It’s about celebrating the beautiful wholeness of Black boyhood in its many forms—playful, curious, emotional, thoughtful, hopeful. It’s about telling all Black boys stories—the full spectrum of Black experiences.
And yet, books showcasing Black boys in joyful narratives are still far too rare. Much of the literature featuring Black boys focuses on pain, injustice, or the act of overcoming. While these stories are important, they aren’t the only stories.
Joy matters too. Freedom to imagine matters. Seeing themselves reflected in positive, lighthearted ways matters. It doesn’t just matter for Black boys but for all children.
Why Black Boy Joy Matters for Every Child
What happens when you normalize stories that feature Black boys as adventurous, happy, and full of potential? It doesn’t just benefit Black readers; it shapes the worldview of every child. In the broader context of young people’s literature, these stories foster representation, inclusivity, and inspiration for youth.
Books have the unique power to grow empathy and break down stereotypes. When we normalize stories of Black boys that are joyful, adventurous, and lighthearted, we don’t just benefit Black children. White children, Asian children, Latino children, Indigenous children, they all benefit too.
When every child grows up reading books that show Black boys being leaders, helpers, dreamers, and heroes, we dismantle the quiet messages that say otherwise.These joyful books build empathy. They break stereotypes. They rewire how a generation sees Blackness, boyhood, and what’s possible.
These books send a necessary message to young readers of every race and background. Children grow into adults, and the lessons they take from the books they read stay with them for life. Powerful, relatable storytelling resonates long after the last page. We need those lessons to be rooted in equality, empathy, and joy.
4 Ways To Promote Black Boy Joy This Summer
How can you ensure Black boy joy shows up on every bookshelf this summer and beyond? By taking small but meaningful actions.
1. Choose joyful books featuring Black boys.
Seek out books with smiling Black boys on the covers—not serious faces or fists in the air. Look for laughter, warmth, and play. Representation starts with visibility. Choose books that highlight the diversity and richness of Black experiences, joyfully and unapologetically.
2. Talk openly about emotions.
Create space for Black boys in your life to feel and express every emotion. Sadness, excitement, silliness, hope, fear—it’s all part of the human experience. Especially during tough times, expressing emotions is important and helps them navigate challenges. When they know it’s okay to feel everything, they learn to fully love and accept themselves.
If you need tools to help you do that, this beautiful Hoping Skills Workbook provides a safe space for all kids to process emotions and build hope.
3. Give the gift of joy-filled stories.
Whenever you get the chance, at birthdays, barbecues, summer camps, or school reading programs, share books celebrating Black boy joy.
4. Support Black creatives and publishers.
Independent presses, Black authors, and illustrators work tirelessly to bring stories celebrating black boyhood to life. Supporting these creators ensures these vibrant stories of the Black community will continue to be told.
A New Story of Black Boy Joy
This fall, a new book is coming that celebrates Black boyhood in all its beauty and. Hope In the Nick of Time follows a young Black boy named Nick as he navigates frustration, sadness, and ultimately, a powerful rediscovery of hope.
It’s a story of kindness, growth, and finding the good, even when things feel hard. It’s not just about Christmas—it’s about how every child deserves to feel seen, empowered, and whole.
Nick reminds us that hope is not a feeling but a skill we can all hone. To help your kids work on their hoping skills, download this free workbook to give all kids space to add more joy and hope to their lives. You can also pre-order Hope In The Nick of Time to fill your bookshelf with Black boy joy this coming holiday season and beyond.
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