The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

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.

All eyes in the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, have been on Henson Blayze since he first showed star power in youth football. Now a thirteen-year-old phenom playing his first varsity game, he stuns the crowd with his sheer talent and drive. Knowing they're seeing a national legend in the making, the townsfolk couldn't be prouder of their future hometown hero.

Until his nine-year-old fan Menka is chased by cops for playing with a toy bow and arrow. Until they attack Menka so badly that he must stay in the hospital indefinitely. Until Henson speaks out about injustice and change. Until he refuses to play football again before the officers are charged. Until his words remind people that he's Black.

 In that moment, Henson divides his town into two chaotic sides when all he wants is justice for Menka. Even his best friends and his father can't see eye to eye with him. When he is told to return to football and its certain path to sports stardom, Henson struggles with his own warring thoughts. Can a Black boy ever truly be a hero in America?