BLACK BOY

              Written By: Richard Wright

 Summary

"White, red and black," But quickly tells him to hush, saying, "They'll call you a colored man when you grow up. Do you mind, Mr.Wright?" (Chapter 2, pg. 49)

For Richard, he feels the one thing holding him back in life is racism. He feels its roots in American culture are so deep the roots can not be destroyed without destroying culture itself. The reader goes into the shoes of Richard Wright who has a unique personality of individualism and intelligence, traits that can only cause problems for a black boy in the Jim Crow South. Struggling between races for acceptance and humane treatment; he struggles with his own stubborn nature from growing into a young boy to a young man.

Richard Wright

Richard Wright lived through September 4, 1908 – November 28, 1960.  He was an author of amazing powerful novels.  Most of the time the themes of his books were racial.  His books affected many in the 20s.

Student Opinion

"I think this book gives a valid point; and teaches a lesson to how Richard Wright and all people segregated in the past could have felt when they were growing up. It gave a clear description of their point of views."

[Discussion Guide]

[Available in Paperback, Hardcover and Audio]