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The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze: Derrick Barnes’ Return to Middle-Grade Fiction
Derrick Barnes, a Newbery Honor-winning author, encourages young writers during his school visits to “never throw your work away,” emphasizing the potential for past ideas to inspire future stories. This philosophy has greatly benefited him, culminating in the release of his first middle-grade novel in over ten years, which is being showcased for the first time.
The inspiration for this story can be traced back to 2012, triggered by the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, who was shot while on his way to buy snacks. This incident deeply affected Barnes, prompting him to conceptualize a narrative situated in Philadelphia about a Black boy endowed with superpowers embarking on a heroic quest. Although he held onto this idea for years, it wasn’t until 2017, following his success with the picture book Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, that he began to craft a suitable storyline for this character. This picture book earned numerous accolades, including a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, expanding Barnes’ horizons and leading him to develop a new world for Henson Blayze, the protagonist.
Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta, where football reigns supreme, the novel introduces Henson, a 13-year-old boy who is revered in his predominantly white town of Great Mountain for his exceptional athletic prowess. The community anticipates his future contributions to high school sports, viewing him solely through the lens of his athletic ability. However, after witnessing injustice during a pivotal local event, Henson begins to challenge the narrow expectations imposed upon him, sparking an important personal awakening, as Barnes shared with PW. The narrative delves into themes such as “America’s fascination with the Black body,” and examines the restrictive success criteria often placed upon young Black men, who are frequently confined to roles in labor, entertainment, or athletics. As Henson navigates his journey, he comes to recognize the multifaceted nature of his identity.
Barnes points out that, much like Martin, numerous Black boys are perceived as older than they truly are due to their physical attributes. To the townspeople, Henson is merely viewed as a “big, strong football player.” In contrast, to his family and those close to him, he embodies qualities of humor, nobility, and ambition, all while dreaming of greatness and wanting to make his parents proud. Drawing from his experiences as a father of four boys, Barnes also cited Jerry Spinelli’s Maniac McGee as an inspiring source for his own storytelling.
The novel spans a two-week timeframe, intricately interweaving elements of myth and magic along with the rich family histories that contextualize Henson’s town origins. In the narrative, Henson emerges as a legendary figure in his community, which allows Barnes to creatively integrate distinctive elements, such as talismans and protective charms with historical roots.
The cover art for the book, illustrating Henson as an “angelic golden child,” is crafted by Charles Chaisson, known for his work on other notable titles. Barnes expressed his satisfaction with this depiction, reflecting on his own childhood where his brother affectionately labeled him as the “golden child” of the family.
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze represents, according to Barnes, “some of my best work.” He aims for readers of all backgrounds to see themselves in this narrative, highlighting the message that everyone has hidden struggles and the importance of friendship. Although the story serves as a heartfelt tribute to Black boys and children, it carries a more universal message: “I want all children to see themselves and know that they have a place in this world.”
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes. Viking, $17.99 Sept. 23 ISBN 9781984836755
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