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  • Published: 6 October 2026
  • ISBN: 9798217002160
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $45.00

Black Boys, I See You



“What a beautiful gift of a narrative this is. So much love on every page. A fabulous celebration of the brilliance of Black boys.” —JACQUELINE WOODSON, author of the New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin

An empowering picture book celebrating Black boys everywhere--acknowledging their strengths, recognizing the hurdles they face, and encouraging them to forge ahead with confidence

Powerful words and radiant art come together in this stunning picture book that celebrates the beauty, talent, and dignity of Black boys. Featuring a variety of boys with a wide range of dreams, this uplifting book reflects a rich tapestry of identities. We see our boys as they make their way in the world, overcome hurdles, and hold a treasured place in the lives of their families and communities—and the greatness within each and every one of them shines through.

  • Published: 6 October 2026
  • ISBN: 9798217002160
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $45.00

About the author

WADE HUDSON

Wade Hudson is an author, a publisher, and the president and CEO of Just Us Books, Inc., an independent publisher of books for children and young adults. He has published over thirty books, including the anthologies We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, which received four starred reviews; The Talk, which earned four starred reviews and was a New York Times Best Book of the Year; and Recognize: Black Lives Matter. These powerful collections were co-edited with his wife, Cheryl Willis Hudson. He also authored the middle grade memoir Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South, winner of the Malka Penn award. 

Wade lives in East Orange, New Jersey, with his wife.

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Praise for Black Boys, I See You


PRAISE FOR WADE'S THE DAY MADEAR VOTED:
      * “Hudson [is] known for his prolific and dedicated lifetime of work ensuring that Black children can see themselves in books and that history is preserved and told in the most engaging ways possible for young readers. . . . This timely and timeless selection is a perfect fit for every school library.” —SLJ STAR
     “The atmosphere is joyous. . . . The straightforward first person narrative is engaging, and . . . the family’s joy is heartfelt and memorable.” —Booklist
     “This straightforward yet empowering tale will get youngsters energized for election day.” Kirkus
     “Warmly affirming tale. . . . An intergenerational book about a woman who ‘walked into a voting booth . . . and allowed us to imagine a different future.’”PW

PRAISE FOR KEITH'S ILLUSTRATIONS IN SHARING THE DREAM (by Shelia P. Moses):
      * “Accomplished digital paintings reflect the family’s experiences while bringing the marchers and speakers to life on the page. This inviting picture book offers broader context for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a child-friendly way to open Black History Month.” —Booklist STAR
     "Illustrations glow with warmth. . . . A stirring tale and proof positive that young people can help make history, too.” —Kirkus
PRAISE FOR KEITH'S ILLUSTRATIONS IN SING A SONG (by Kelly Starling Lyons)
    * “With clarity and warmth, the illustrations sensitively capture the changing characters, emotions, and eras as time passes.’” —Booklist STAR
     “Mallett's artwork charmingly illumines the faces of the singers in the book, revealing their passion and often joy in singing what's become cherished as the African American national anthem.” —Kirkus