Frederick Joseph

"Both heartening and heartbreaking, this richly layered, sensitive YA fiction debut from Joseph unflinchingly confronts systemic racism, classism, and homophobia via a powerful story of self-discovery and social justice that aims, shoots, and scores." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) In an instant, Ossie Brown's entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie--a Black teen who doesn't come from wealth and privilege--must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he's now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students' viral "anti-woke" video puts the teacher's job, the writing program, and even Ossie's friends' safety at risk--and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.

A child discovers a secret ingredient for nurturing plants--and for helping ailing loved ones, too--in this tender story by a two-time New York Times best-selling author celebrating the power of hope. Everyone in Henry's family loves plants and gardening. So why can he never get his little plant to grow, no matter how hard he tries? His mom has been able to grow anything since she was young, and even cultivated a whole orchard to help feed people who were hungry. Henry imagines his mother as a great tree, with branches wrapping around the whole community. "People and seeds have a lot in common," his mom likes to say. "If you want them to grow strong, nourishment and sunlight aren't enough--they also need hope." When Henry's mom becomes sick and it looks like she may not recover, this belief that she's sown in her son becomes key to what happens next. Frederick Joseph, award-winning author of The Black Friend, offers a bighearted story about keeping hope alive in the face of grief--and a gentle allegory with an upbeat message about healing a fragile planet.

An instant New York Times bestseller The powerful and timely YA novel debut from three-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story--and a rallying cry against book banning. In an instant, Ossie Brown's entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie--a Black teen who doesn't come from wealth and privilege--must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he's now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students' viral "anti-woke" video puts the teacher's job, the writing program, and even Ossie's friends' safety at risk--and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.

NYT Bestselling Author Frederick Joseph explores a new genre in this captivating poetry collection that seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty whether through illuminating the beauty of being Black, highlighting the hope that can be found in childhood, or by sharing intimate truths revealed on a mental health journey. This book will appeal to both new and established readers of poetry. Step into the world of We Alive, Beloved, where its words will resonate within the deepest corners of your soul, leaving a mark on your heart and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of being alive. We Alive, Beloved moves beyond being a poetry collection; it's a celebration of the profound aspects of our existence. Each poem seeks to immortalize the fleeting moments of joy, love, resilience, and inspiration that often slip through the grasp of our fast-paced lives. In this poetic testament, we defy the ephemeral nature of beauty and goodness, daring to clutch onto these facets of life for just a little longer. With words that stand as guardians against the relentless march of time and the ceaseless tides of change, trauma, and grief, this collection becomes a sanctuary of light in a world that sometimes seems dim. We Alive, Beloved explores a rich tapestry of themes, from the intricacies of relationships and the heartache of loss, to the wide-eyed wonder of existence and the challenges of exploring the possibility of parenthood in our modern age. Each poem reaches out to readers, offering a mirror to their own journeys and emotions, inviting them to be seen and acknowledged in its lyrical embrace.

"Accessible and enlightening. . . . Whether considered individually or taken as a whole, these crucial topics will shape the future, and the Josephs want readers to be ready to join the conversation." --Booklist (starred review) What is disinformation, and how does it influence our lives? How did the wealth gap become so staggeringly wide? Why do so many Americans lack access to quality health care? And--most importantly--what can we do about it all? Through a combination of personal anecdotes and interviews, authors Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph make a compelling case for tackling some of the biggest issues of our day, from gun violence, the prison system, transphobia, and indigenous land theft to climate change, education, housing, and immigration. Covering sixteen topics and featuring more than two dozen interviews with prominent activists, authors, actors, and politicians, this is the essential resource for those who want to make the world better than we found it.Featuring interviews with: Mehcad Brooks * Keah Brown * Juli n Castro * Sonja Cherry-Paul * Chelsea Clinton * Charlotte Clymer * Mari Copeny, aka "Little Miss Flint" * Greg D'Amato * Jesse Katz * Amed Khan * Daniel Alejandro Leon-Davis * Willy and Jo Lorenz * Ben O'Keefe * Brittany Packnett Cunningham * Anna Paquin * Robert Reich * Brandon T. Snider * Nic Stone * Anton Treuer * Andrea Tulee * David Villalpando * Elizabeth Warren * Shannon Watts * Natalie Weaver * Brandon Wolf

A New York Times bestseller "A hard-hitting resource for action and change." --Booklist (starred review) "We don't see color." "I didn't know Black people liked Star Wars " "What hood are you from?" As a student in a largely white high school, Frederick Joseph often simply let wince-worthy moments go. When he grew older, he saw them as missed opportunities to stand up for himself and bring awareness to those who didn't see the hurt they caused. Here, Joseph speaks to the reader as he wishes he'd spoken to his friends, unpacking hurtful race-related anecdotes from his past and sharing how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter also features the voice and experience of an artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; and Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host. From cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, this book is a conversation starter, tool kit, and window into the life of a former "token Black kid." Back matter includes an encyclopedia of racism, including details on historical events and terminology.

Set in the world of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever from Marvel Studios, The Courage to Dream is an inspiring picture book about a young Wakandan finding her destiny, from two New York Times best-selling creators. The Courage to Dream tells the story of Assata, a young Wakandan who hopes to become one of the Dora Milaje, the warriors who protect Wakanda. But because of Assata's disability, she lets go of her dream. Assata's light shows through all the same, introducing her to surprising friends: the princess Shuri, the warrior Okoye, and the powerful M'Baku. But only Assata can give herself what she's missing: the courage to dream. New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph (The Black Friend) and New York Times best-selling illustrator Nikkolas Smith (The 1619 Project: Born on the Water) bring Wakanda to life in this inspiring picture book about discovering who you can truly be.

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Black Friend and a seasoned activist comes an indispensable guide to social and political progressivism for young people and anyone wanting to get more involved. What is disinformation, and how does it influence our lives? How did the wealth gap become so staggeringly wide? Why do so many Americans lack access to quality health care? And--most importantly--what can we do about it all? Through a combination of personal anecdotes and interviews, authors Frederick Joseph and Porsche Joseph make a compelling case for tackling some of the biggest issues of our day, from gun violence, the prison system, transphobia, and indigenous land theft to climate change, education, housing, and immigration. Covering sixteen topics and featuring more than two dozen interviews with prominent activists, authors, actors, and politicians, this is the essential resource for those who want to make the world better than we found it. Featuring interviews with: Mehcad BrooksKeah BrownJuli n Castro Sonja Cherry-Paul Chelsea Clinton Charlotte Clymer Mari Copeny, aka Little Miss Flint Greg D'Amato Jesse Katz Amed Khan Daniel Alejandro Leon-Davis Willy and Jo Lorenz Ben O'Keefe Brittany Packnett Cunningham Anna Paquin Robert Reich Brandon T. Snider Nic Stone Anton Treuer Andrea Tulee David Villalpando Elizabeth Warren Shannon Watts Natalie Weaver Brandon Wolf

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER" A] scorching treatise on toxic masculinity. Joseph's critiques of "the patriarchy... both overt and ingrained" are razor-sharp, but it's the clear-eyed reckoning of his own place within it that tethers the soul of his book." --Publishers Weekly"Joseph has learned a great deal from bell hooks here, and I think she would be proud because Patriarchy Blues is such a moving, inspiring, rigorous vision for living." --Robert Jones, Jr., New York Times bestselling author of The ProphetsIn this personal and poignant collection, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Black Friend examines the culture of masculinity through the lens of a Black man. What does it mean to be a man today? How does the pervasive yet elusive idea of "toxic masculinity" actually reflect men's experiences--particularly those of color--and how they navigate the world?In this thought-provoking collection of essays, poems, and short reflections, Frederick Joseph contemplates these questions and more as he explores issues of masculinity and patriarchy from both a personal and cultural standpoint. From fatherhood, and "manning up" to abuse and therapy, he fearlessly and thoughtfully tackles the complex realities of men's lives today and their significance for society, lending his insights as a Black man.Written in Joseph's unique voice, with an intelligence and raw honesty that demonstrates both his vulnerability and compassion, Patriarchy Blues forces us to consider the joys, pains, and destructive nature of manhood and the stereotypes it engenders.

"The Black Friend is THE book everyone needs to read right now... Read it, absorb it, and be changed because of it.” —Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U GiveSpeaking directly to the reader, Frederick Joseph offers powerful reflections on his own experiences with racism. As a former "token Black kid", he now presents himself as the friend many readers need, touching on topics including cultural appropriation, "reverse racism" and white privilege. Featuring interviews with figures such as writer Angie Thomas, content creator Toni Tone, and April Reign, founder of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, this book serves as conversation starter and tool kit, creating a timely and essential read for committed anti-racists and newcomers to the cause of racial justice alike.

The instant New York Times bestseller Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs--creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice. "We don't see color." "I didn't know Black people liked Star Wars " "What hood are you from?" For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn't see the negative impact they were having. Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author's past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, "reverse racism" to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former "token Black kid" who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.