About This Book
Jewell Parker Rhodes's 'Black Brother, Black Brother' is a powerful middle-grade novel about Donte, a Black boy who is unfairly targeted and arrested after an incident with a white classmate, 'King' Alan. Feeling unjustly treated and suspended from school, Donte decides to challenge Alan, the school's fencing champion, to a duel. With the guidance of a former Olympic fencer, Donte not only learns the sport but also discovers his own strength, identity, and a path to justice. This book is suitable for readers aged 8-12 and explores themes of racial discrimination, bullying, resilience, and self-confidence, making it an excellent choice for opening conversations about fairness and overcoming adversity.
When an incident with "King" Alan leads to Donte's arrest and suspension, he knows the only way to get even is to beat the king of the school at his own game: fencing. With the help of a former Olympic fencer, Donte embarks on a journey to carve out
discrimination
bullying
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Donte feel when he is arrested? Have you ever felt unfairly accused or treated?
2
What does 'King' Alan represent in the story? How does Donte choose to respond to his bullying?
3
How does learning fencing help Donte beyond just winning a match? What does he learn about himself?
4
The title is 'Black Brother, Black Brother.' How does Donte's racial identity play a role in the story and his experiences?
5
What does it mean to find your own strength and identity, even when facing difficult challenges?
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