This book contains a very abstract poem that may take a bit of thinking to get all the value out of it, but even on the first read through there is plenty of imagery to give the overall meaning of self acceptance. The poem is far from a hard read and that allows for any student of any group to think if he accepts how he is so can. This would be a great start to any class in order to get student thinking about what makes them unique and how that it is not a bad thing. ( )

This book showcases what its like to be a boy, and more specifically an African American boy. It illustrates the energy that is typically associated with being a boy as well as the emotions that come with that. Boys may be energetic and lively but they have feeling too. I read this book with my four year old boys and they loved it! The words were so simple that they could repeat them. The alliteration and repetition could be useful in sight word development. This book was simple enough for them to follow and enjoy but also easy to connect with. It was harder for me to connect with because I am not a boy but it celebrates the boys that we all have in our lives. ( )

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book reads as poetry, using much repetition and consonance. I like the way bell hooks uses this writing style to create dynamic descriptions of boyhood, ranging from, "I be boy. All bliss boy. All fine beat," to "All bad boy beast." The writing style hooks uses along with the illustrations by Chris Raschka help to illuminate the playful mood of boyhood. The illustrations are also a fascinating part of this read. Raschka uses a light brown backdrop to create a sense of warmth and love throughout each page. Additionally, I enjoy the way the artist uses lines and composition, to show movement and emotion. For example on one page where the text reads "Then sitting all quiet still." The boy is half off the page in a sitting position. Circular lines on his shirt contrast with square spirals on which he sits, and which have been used throughout to show emotion. This contrast, and large empty space, helps create a sense of calmness. Ultimately, "be boy buzz" is a book which celebrates the boyhood, and childhood of African American boys, in contrast to our dominant American society that often views African American boys as "men" at a very young age. ( )

Be Boy Buzz is about a little boy who tells you what he is celebrating. (being bold, creative, jumping, etc.)

As a reader I found this book very hard to read, because it is not in traditional sentence form, and it is not grammatically correct. But the illustrations were nice.

As a teacher I probably would not used this book just on the fact that it is not a new/struggling reader friendly book. ( )

"Summary: Celebrates being Bold, All Bliss Boy, All Bad Boy Beast, Boy running, Boy Jumping, Boy Sitting Down, and being in Love With Being a Boy. " ( )