{"product_id":"knucklehead-poems-isbn-9780063296053","title":"Knucklehead: Poems","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edear Knucklehead,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eperhaps you are like me:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ealways figuring out if your soul and your skin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eare thick enough to protect your body from sticky stones\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ethrown from the mouths of those who know\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ethat spoken words have the power to spit out freedom\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eand break-in bones. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhile society often assigns the label “knucklehead” to kids with attitude problems, this brilliant and electric poetry collection by spoken word poet and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. subverts that narrow way of thinking and empathizes with young people who are misunderstood and unheard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are poems about the power of language to transcend the racist and homophobic constructs of a society prejudging Black boys. There are poems that serve as a salve for a world that inflicts hurt, poems that offer a beacon of hope for the curious and questioning, and poems that transform the way people love Black gay boys and men.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a journey of self-discovery through history, family, friendship, and falling in love. \u003cem\u003eKnucklehead\u003c\/em\u003e is a breathtaking work, full of black-and-white illustrations and unforgettable poetry that will heal, provoke, and inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003eA love letter in verse to Black boys and men. Will resonate deeply with readers and poets on a path of self-discovery. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is an ambitious work delivered in a triumphantly easy-to-read package for both the devoted poetry lovers and the young poetry-curious. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children’s Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Keith's perspective on growing up a Black man in America is an excellent addition to all YA shelves. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA poignant, hip-hop-fueled collection of poetry that’s equal parts memoir, love letter, and rallying cry to Black boys. Searing language and palpable messaging permeate this dazzling, from-the-heart poetry collection that’s sure to inspire the eponymous knuckleheads and beyond to find their voice and use it for liberation. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeith addresses himself, his readers, and society the same—all knuckleheads, bumbling to adulthood in an attempt to individualize and define ourselves. These poems are prescient and relevant when socioeconomic injustice and blatant racism have come to the forefront of the country’s political landscape. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Quill Tree Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44890805698789,"sku":"NP9780063296053","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780063296053.jpg?v=1730234136","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/knucklehead-poems-isbn-9780063296053","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}