In an inspiring move to foster literacy, an 11-year-old named Jamal Thompson has established a book club, aptly named “Books N Bros,” aimed at promoting African American literature among his peers. This initiative comes from a place of passion for reading, coupled with the realization that many characters and authors in books don’t reflect his own experiences or background.
Jamal, hailing from St. Louis, recognized a gap in representation while visiting EyeSeeMe, a bookstore in University City, Missouri, dedicated to African American children’s literature. “Every time I visit my school library, I notice a lack of books by or about African Americans,” Jamal shared during an interview with a local radio station. His mother, Lisa Thompson, captured a moment in a Facebook Live video while they were at the store, showing Jamal engrossed in a book on the floor. “He’d never encountered a space like that before, and it was a joy to see him so engaged,” Lisa recalled. “At 11, it was eye-opening for him to find stories that resonate positively with his identity.”
That video quickly gained traction online, amassing over 63,000 views and prompting the mother-son duo to brainstorm ways to promote literacy further, leading to the creation of the book club. This endeavor is not only innovative but also addresses a critical issue faced by boys nationwide, as highlighted in a report by The New York Times. The report indicates a significant reading proficiency gap, with 79% of girls and only 72% of boys meeting proficiency standards in elementary school.
Research suggests that readers tend to connect more with characters who reflect their own backgrounds. Without relatable literature, young readers may lose interest, resulting in decreased literacy skills. Books N Bros aims to change that narrative. “I love reading, and it would be even more fun to share that experience with others. I can’t imagine stopping,” Jamal expressed about his motivation.
The club welcomes boys aged 8 to 11, meeting weekly to discuss a selected book chosen by its members the previous month. Currently, Books N Bros has around ten members, and the group continues to grow. Notable reads include “Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade” by Ty Allan Jackson, which echoes Jamal’s entrepreneurial spirit. Interestingly, the author connected with the club via Skype after seeing the viral video.
Other selections have included “Hidden Figures” and “Supah Dupah Kid.” For Black History Month, the group read “A Song for Harlem: Scraps of Time” by Patricia McKissack, a celebrated author from St. Louis. Membership costs $20, which includes a worksheet for each book discussion and a snack. More importantly, members gain access to diverse literature, cultural insights, and representation—an essential factor in building their love for reading.
Representation matters in literature, as it does in pop culture and entertainment. It helps young readers see themselves in the stories they consume, inspiring them to envision their futures positively. Jamal’s initiative is a beacon of hope, showcasing that the future of literacy is indeed bright.
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Summary: An 11-year-old boy named Jamal Thompson has created a book club called “Books N Bros” to promote African American literature and literacy among his peers. Inspired by a visit to a local bookstore, Jamal’s initiative addresses the lack of representation in literature and aims to engage young boys in reading. The club meets weekly, discussing a variety of books, and emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself in literature.