About the Book

dear Knucklehead,

perhaps you are like me:

always figuring out if your soul and your skin

are thick enough to protect your body from sticky stones

thrown from the mouths of those who know

that spoken words have the power to spit out freedom

and break-in bones. 

While society often assigns the label “knucklehead” to kids with attitude problems, this brilliant and electric poetry collection by spoken word poet and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. subverts that narrow way of thinking and empathizes with young people who are misunderstood and unheard.

There are poems about the power of language to transcend the racist and homophobic constructs of a society prejudging Black boys. There are poems that serve as a salve for a world that inflicts hurt, poems that offer a beacon of hope for the curious and questioning, and poems that transform the way people love Black gay boys and men.

This is a journey of self-discovery through history, family, friendship, and falling in love. Knucklehead is a breathtaking work, full of black-and-white illustrations and unforgettable poetry that will heal, provoke, and inspire.

Critical Praise

A love letter in verse to Black boys and men...Will resonate deeply with readers and poets on a path of self-discovery. — Kirkus Reviews

A poignant, hip-hop-fueled collection of poetry that’s equal parts memoir, love letter, and rallying cry to Black boys. Searing language and palpable messaging permeate this dazzling, from-the-heart poetry collection that’s sure to inspire the eponymous knuckleheads and beyond to find their voice and use it for liberation — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063296053
• ISBN 10: 0063296055
• Imprint: Quill Tree Books
• On Sale: 02/25/2025
• Pages: 128
• List Price:24.99 CAD
• BISAC1 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Poetry
• BISAC2 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / LGBT
• BISAC3 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / United States / African American
• BISAC4 : YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Boys & Men

Other Works by Tony Keith Jr.

• 

  Knucklehead

  By Tony Keith Jr.

• 

  How the Boogeyman Became a Poet

  By Tony Keith Jr.

See all