Blues Boy

The B. B. King Story

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Greenwillow Books

(HarperCollins)

(pub. 1.27.2026)

40 pages

Ages 4 - 8

Author: Alice Faye Duncan

   Illustrator: Carl Joe Williams

Character: B.B. King

Overview:

"At twelve years old, Riley B. King borrowed fifteen dollars from his boss to buy a used guitar. Before long, he was playing his music for jubilant crowds all over the world. Blues Boy chronicles B. B. King’s inspiring journey from his childhood in the Jim Crow South to global stardom. It is a compelling biography about the widely known and celebrated American music figure as well as a beautifully illustrated picture book with themes of family, community, history, kindness, empathy, and justice."

Tantalizing taste:

"When Riley found a spot to play his blues guitar, life in Indianola turned golden as tupelo honey. Every Saturday night beneath a lamppost on the corner of Church and Second Street, he sang blues serenades, soft, slow, and soulful...

After busking on the corner and collecting loads of coins, Riley would look at the moon and remember his mother's words: When you do good and treat folks right, good things will come to you."

And something more: The ABOUT B. B. King section explains: "More than the glitz of fine suits, diamonds, and the spotlight, B. B. King was a humanitarian... B. B. King was an American music icon who served humanity with love, kindness, and joy. As a tower of dignity and strength, he lived in this way to honor himself, his Mississippi roots, and the memory of his mother, Nora Ella King."