Jason Huey’s 100 Things Black Boys Should Do and Know is a no-nonsense, heartfelt, and refreshingly real guide written specifically for young Black boys, though honestly, it’s got nuggets for all of us. The book is exactly what the title says—100 pieces of advice, lessons, and life tips, everything from “Tell Your Mom and Dad You Love Them” to “Learn CPR” to “Get Help” when life feels heavy. Huey mixes tough love with encouragement, serious talk with humor, and spirituality with street smarts. The format is easy to follow, the tone is conversational, and the heart behind it is big.

One thing I loved is how Huey doesn’t shy away from anything. He hits real-life issues head-on—mental health, racism, peer pressure, even gun violence. In #69 “12,” he gives a straight-up survival guide for police encounters. It’s heavy but necessary. In #30 “Let It Out,” he tells boys that it’s okay to cry, to be emotional, to feel. That struck a chord in me. Growing up, crying felt like a weakness. Huey flips that script and makes vulnerability a strength. His words are filled with love but also urgency. You can feel he’s been through it, seen it, lived it.

The writing style is raw, it’s funny, it’s deeply personal. I found myself smiling at things like “Takis or Hot Cheetos” (#25) and “Watch Cartoons” (#41), then turning the page and getting a gut check about “Colorism” (#62) and “Never Ending Race” (#71). He breaks things down in a way that feels like a big brother giving you the real talk you never knew you needed. He even sneaks in lines that’ll stay with you: “A man who doesn’t acknowledge his mistakes is a mistake” from #2 “My Bad” really reasonated with me.

I’d recommend this book to every young Black boy—and to the parents, teachers, mentors, and friends who want to love and support them better. It’s not just a list. It’s a roadmap. A compass. A hug and a challenge. You don’t read this book; you hear it. You feel it. And if you let it, it’ll change how you move through the world.

Pages: 50 | ASIN : B0BR46C2S3