Dear Mr. Barnes, I came across your profile through your interview on Natural Chica's blog and it was very refreshing to see a black male as an author of children's books. I thank the Almighty for giving you such a gift and for using it in a way to empower our youth especially our young men. I don't have any children of my own yet, but I cannot wait to gift some of these books to my younger relatives, male and female, for christmas. Being able to identify with the characters in books you read at such a young age make alot of difference. "For Us, By Us"!! Thanks again for sharing your talent with the world. All the best and I am looking forward to seeing more books from you. Peace + Love to you and your family

My daughter is 7 years old and has read all your books. She loved them all and is looking forward to your next. I am hoping that will be soon..Would have been nice to add to our summer reading list.:-)

I'm so happy to know that there are children books that my daughters can relate too. Books by us and for us is what I love. Much blessing my brother.

Hey derrick i love your books i done read Ruby flips for attention an ruby an the booker boys but when ruby broke her arm i like to cried but then i wish i could have ate the cast cause it was a candy cane I LOVE THE BOOKS

Mr Barnes, I must say that I am proud of my daughter who "represent" as she presented her poster board project today. My daughter spoke proud and told the story of Ruby and the Booker Boys. I was shocked when she told everyone that the author was "Derrick barnes" and the illustrator was "Vanessea Newton" She got a big clap from everyone. I thank God for your books because my daughter attends a all hispanic school. She started this school last year, she was the only black in her class. She claim she was nerves at first but between last year and this year my daughter is rocking that school. My daughter knows she is African American and proud of it, she goes to school with hair in braids and fancy clothing on dress-down day, she just loves how the kids make a fuss over her. Yes my daughter is very popular at her school. My daughter had to learn a way just like Ruby to find her place and she did just that! Stay Bless!