Written and illustrated by multitalented father and Super Bowl champion Martellus Bennett, Dear Black Boy is a letter of encouragement to all boys of color who feel like sports is their only choice.

Dear Black Boy,
Today is the day that we lace up our shoes to do more than run another sprint, dunk another ball, catch another pass, or swing at another pitch.
[…]
Run, Black Boy, run!
Run in the direction of your dreams.
You can change the world for us all!
[…]
Win, Black Boy, Win!
The world needs more winners that look like you!

With dreamlike illustrations that invite children to place themselves in the pages’ scenes, this uplifting picture book reminds kids that the biggest game they’ll ever play is the game of life. Off the courts and pitches, people are rooting for them not as athletes, but as future leaders of the world.

In the book’s rhythmic, reassuring words of wisdom, kids discover that the qualities that make them great athletes—mental toughness, dedication, passion, determination, and effort—are the same ones that will drive them forward in life.

Author Martellus Bennett is an NFL legend, but—just like the children he seeks to inspire with this book—he has talents that extend far beyond the playing field. Bennett is an entrepreneur, animator, illustrator, musician, dreamer, and loving father. He started creating children’s literature to remedy the lack of black and brown representation in the books available to read to his daughter.

A different kind of coach for black and brown boys, and essential reading for children of every color, Dear Black Boy empowers kids to see new possibilities and follow their passions. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, they will find strength in its pages.

The world’s more beautiful when the Black Boy dreams.