Fourteen poems—the 13 brief poems referenced in the title plus a longer introductory offering—affirm the lives and experiences of Black boys and young men. Across the collection, the poems and accompanying illustrations move from very young childhood (“mama’s little butterfly” in “Anacostia Angel”) to middle childhood (“My granny made me this suit / so I can look nice for God” in “Little Mister May”; “Summertime on stoop / Forehead sweat like ice cream tears” in “Lazy Hazy Days”) to adolescence and young adulthood (“Know how many times / I done miss this broke-down bus” in “Athlete’s Broke Bus Blues”). The final poem is in the voice of a young Black man who has returned to his childhood school as a teacher (“Givin’ Back to the Community”). Each poem is illustrated by a different Black artist, showcasing an arresting array of visual styles, media, and depictions of Black boys. Notes from the poet and about each of the artists conclude this slim, essential volume. (Age 8 and older)

The New York Times' 14 Antiracist Books for Kids and Teens

Arnold Adoff Poetry Awards 2020, Special Recognition

Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices 2019

Bank Street College of Eduction Best Children's Books 2019

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book 2019

Kirkus Reviews Best of 2018, Middle Grade Poetry

School Library Journal, Best Books 2018, Poetry

These short, vibrant tanka poems about Black boys and young men depict thirteen views of everyday life: dressed in Sunday best, running to catch a bus, growing up to be teachers, and much more. Each of Tony Medina's tanka is matched with a different artist--including recent Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award recipients.