Audiobooks by Derrick Barnes

The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth

This powerful collection of short stories, essays, and poems is a call-to-action that invites all families to be anti-racist and advocates for change. Thirty diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators--including Renee Watson (Piecing Me Together), Grace Lin (Where the Mountain Meets the Moon), Meg Medina (Merci Suarez Changes Gears), and Adam Gidwitz (The Inquisitor's Tale)--engage young people in frank discussions about racism, identity and self-esteem. Featuring stories filled with love, acceptance, truth, peace, and an assurance that there can be hope for a better tomorrow, The Talk is an inspiring anthology and must-have resource published in partnership with Just Us Books, a black-owned children's publishing company that's been in operation for over 30 years. Just Us Books continues its mission grounded in the same belief that helped launch the company: Good books make a difference. So, let's talk. Featured contributors: Selina Alko, Tracey Baptiste, Derrick Barnes, Natacha Bustos, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Raúl Colón, Adam Gidwitz, Nikki Grimes, Rudy Gutierrez, April Harrison, Wade Hudson, Gordon C. James, Minh Lê, E. B. Lewis, Grace Lin, Torrey Maldonado, Meg Medina, Christopher Myers, Daniel Nayeri, Zeke Peña, Peter H. Reynolds, Erin K. Robinson, Traci Sorell, Shadra Strickland, Don Tate, MaryBeth Timothy, Duncan Tonatiuh, Renée Watson, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Sharon Dennis Wyeth This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF of sources and notes from the authors. 'The go-to book for talking to kids about race and privilege. Thoughtful. Thought-provoking. A must-read for every family.' -Ellen Oh, editor of Flying Lessons & Other Stories and cofounder of We Need Diverse Books 'The ingredients are all here. May this magnificent collection inspire us to move from dialogue to deep action.' -Kirkus, Starred Review

Adam Gidwitz, April Harrison, Christopher Myers, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Daniel Nayeri, Derrick Barnes, Don Tate, Duncan Tonatiuh, E. B. Lewis, Erin K. Robinson, Gordon C. James, Grace Lin, Marybeth Timothy, Meg Medina, Minh Lê, Natacha Bustos, Nikki Grimes, Peter H. Reynolds, Raúl Colón, Renée Watson, Rudy Gutierrez, Selina Alko, Shadra Strickland, Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Torrey Maldonado, Tracey Baptiste, Traci Sorell, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Wade Hudson, Zeke Peña (Author), Catherine Ho, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Feodor Chin, Gisela Chípe, Guy Lockard, James Fouhey, Janina Edwards, Jesus E. Martinez, Lisa Renee Pitts, Michael Crouch, Nicole Lewis, Omar Leyva, Renata Friedman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The King of Kindergarten

A confident little boy takes pride in his first day of kindergarten, by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Crown. The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day. Newbery Honor-winning author Derrick Barnes's empowering story will give new kindergarteners a reassuring confidence boost.

Derrick Barnes (Author), Sullivan Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother's hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices. A fresh cut makes boys fly. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair-a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That's where it all begins. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.

Derrick Barnes (Author), Corey Allen (Narrator)

Audiobook