Award-winning author Derrick Barnes joins Reading in the Middle to discuss his compelling new middle-grade novel, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this interview, we discuss themes such as Black boyhood, identity, family, community expectations, and the emotional toll of being defined by talent. Barnes offers insights into writing for middle-grade audiences, developing authentic characters, and crafting stories that help children recognize their worth beyond just performance. This is ideal for parents, teachers, librarians, and young readers seeking meaningful, relatable fiction.
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