The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

By Derrick Barnes

A young athlete's stand against injustice divides his town, challenging his future and identity.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 569 ratings

272 pages· 59,849 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In Great Mountain, Mississippi, Henson Blayze, a 13-year-old football prodigy, faces a life-altering choice. After a shocking event, he questions his role in a town that values him only for his talent. As the community splits over his decision to speak out, Henson must decide if he will continue to entertain those who may not see him as human or pursue a different path. This powerful tale explores race, identity, and the struggle for justice, revealing how much—and how little—has changed over time.

From the publisher

Newbery Honoree Derrick Barnes tackles timely issues of race and prejudice in this powerful, nuanced novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen as human. CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD HONOREEONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, The Week Junior, Audible, Chicago Public LibraryKIRKUS PRIZE FINALISTNATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST SELECTIONWNDB WALTER AWARD WINNERJANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD HONORALSC NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOKSOUTHERN BOOK PRIZE FINALIST★ “Bold, extraordinary storytelling: not to be missed.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ “A powerful tale.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review★ “A modern folktale that leaves a damning indictment.” –BCCB, starred review★ “This is Barnes at his best.” –School Library Journal, starred reviewIn the small town of Great Mountain, Mississippi, all eyes are on Henson Blayze, a thirteen-year-old football phenom whose talents seem almost superhuman. The predominately white townsfolk have been waiting for Henson to play high school ball, and now they’re overjoyed to finally possess an elite Black athlete of their own. Until a horrifying incident forces Henson to speak out about injustice.Until he says that he might not play football anymore.Until he quickly learns he isn’t as loved by the people as he thought. Overnight, Henson’s town is divided into two chaotic sides–those that support his decisions, and those that don’t–when all he wants is justice. Even his best friends and his father can’t see eye to eye. When he is told to play ball again or else, Henson must decide whether he was born to entertain those who may not even see him as human, or if he’s destined for a different kind of greatness. Written for children ages 10 and up, Derrick Barnes’s groundbreaking novel masterfully combines a modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America’s obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment. Spanning the 1800s to today, this exceptional novel shows how much has changed over centuries . . . and, at the same time, how little.