Growing Up & Facts of Life
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Black Brother, Black Brother
From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition -- now in paperback!
Framed. Bullied. Disliked. But I know I can still be the best.
Sometimes, 12-year-old Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbing him "Black Brother," Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter-skinned brother, Trey.
When he's bullied and framed by the captain of the fencing team, "King" Alan, he's suspended from school and arrested for something he didn't do.
Terrified, searching for a place where he belongs, Donte joins a local youth center and meets former Olympic fencer Arden Jones. With Arden's help, he begins training as a competitive fencer, setting his sights on taking down the fencing team captain, no matter what.
As Donte hones his fencing skills and grows closer to achieving his goal, he learns the fight for justice is far from over. Now Donte must confront his bullies, racism, and the corrupt systems of power that led to his arrest.
Powerful and emotionally gripping, Black Brother, Black Brother is a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline and follows one boy's fight against racism and his empowering path to finding his voice.
Framed. Bullied. Disliked. But I know I can still be the best.
Sometimes, 12-year-old Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbing him "Black Brother," Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter-skinned brother, Trey.
When he's bullied and framed by the captain of the fencing team, "King" Alan, he's suspended from school and arrested for something he didn't do.
Terrified, searching for a place where he belongs, Donte joins a local youth center and meets former Olympic fencer Arden Jones. With Arden's help, he begins training as a competitive fencer, setting his sights on taking down the fencing team captain, no matter what.
As Donte hones his fencing skills and grows closer to achieving his goal, he learns the fight for justice is far from over. Now Donte must confront his bullies, racism, and the corrupt systems of power that led to his arrest.
Powerful and emotionally gripping, Black Brother, Black Brother is a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline and follows one boy's fight against racism and his empowering path to finding his voice.
Editorial Reviews
Praise for Black Brother, Black Brother
*"A powerful work and must-have for children's collections."―Booklist, starred review
"Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition."―Kirkus
*"An excellent selection for both elementary and middle library collections, this is a title that celebrates finding one's place in the world."―School Library Connection, starred review
"Donte's story is a good primer for younger readers on microaggressions."―School Library Journal
"A classic sports story."―BCCB
"This novel offers a solid story, with relatable, three-dimensional characters considering identity, that will teach readers about colorism's effects."
―Publishers Weekly
*"A powerful work and must-have for children's collections."―Booklist, starred review
"Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition."―Kirkus
*"An excellent selection for both elementary and middle library collections, this is a title that celebrates finding one's place in the world."―School Library Connection, starred review
"Donte's story is a good primer for younger readers on microaggressions."―School Library Journal
"A classic sports story."―BCCB
"This novel offers a solid story, with relatable, three-dimensional characters considering identity, that will teach readers about colorism's effects."
―Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
ErikatGrace M.I Read
This book is described as “a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline”. While it does touch on the subject, it definitely didn’t come off as a careful examination. It was dumbed down a lot as if the target audience is first graders. It read like a cheesy after school special. It felt preachy throughout much of the book. The plot seemed interesting, but the execution didn’t work for me.
Emily Savidge
Black Brother, Black Brother is one of the best middle grade novels that I have read in a long time. The book centers around two brothers. One who presents as white, and the other as black and their journey to compete in a fencing competition. I couldn’t put this book down and my brain couldn’t stop turning as I thought of all the conversations that could be started with this book. Go buy this book and read it. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. If you’re a teacher this would be a great addition to your library.
Kindle Annmarie C M
Donte is seen as a troublemaker because he's black. Trey is the sports good kid because he's white. They're brothers. Blood brothers. One taking after their mom. The other after his dad. When Donte finds his place in fencing, he's finally found what can break the negative outlook on him, that's only there, because he's black, in an all white school. This was a good book.
Kacey Clemente
Wow did this book come out exactly at the right time in our history. I gave this to a 17 year old active reader and she said "its was the best 2 day read , yet!!" And that is saying a lot as she always has her nose in a book. I highly recommend this book and think it should be in every classroom in America!
J. Kuntze
Another great story by Jewel Parker Rhodes, exploring racism (and colorism), economic privilege, and fencing. I will be reading “The Black Count” along with “The Count of Monte Cristo “!
