Darryl's Dream by Darryl DMC McDaniels, Tristan Tait
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593487745
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

After a difficult day at school Darryl questions his value and appearance. As Darryl’s mother said “what’s important is that you like yourself and you stay true to who you are”. Following a dream, Darryl both stands up for himself and wins the adoration of his classmates when he performs a hip hop poem. McDaniels provides a strong character who learns to stand up for himself and others; this is such a valuable lesson to all children. The illustrations are bright and somewhat comic in appearance. The intended audience of K-grade 2 will appreciate the story line and the illustrations. It is interesting however that the bully is the tallest child and that the nerd wears glasses. Add this to primary school media centers and to classroom collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian