By Kamal E. Bell, Illustrated by Darnell Johnson
Publication Date: 2025
Joy for Books Review Score: 86%
Description from Bookshop.org: Told from Akeem's perspective, Akeem Keeps Bees! begins with the arrival and installation of a package of bees and follows Akeem and his Dad throughout the year as they inspect the hive, find the queen, deal with a swarm, harvest honey, and prepare for winter. Every part of the process is illustrated for young readers, teaching them the special role that bees play on a farm. The author, Kamal Bell, is a leading voice among Black farmers educating and inspiring Black youth about farming and beekeeping. Perfect for children ages 6 through 10.
Joy for Books reviewer comments: "The book has an inviting cover and cool illustrations, but it reads more like a textbook. It is very informative, but someone picking it up thinking it's a picture book story will be surprised. This is the reason I gave it a lower Story Engagement rating. The illustrations are amazing! I love the comic book style illustrations. This is all about keeping bees... and the back matter discusses food deserts. While I did not find this book as engaging as some others, I loved that this book about bee keeping featured a Black family and that the Sankofa Farms and their origins were discussed."
By Kamal E. Bell, Illustrated by Darnell Johnson
Publication Date: 2025
Joy for Books Review Score: 86%
Description from Bookshop.org: Told from Akeem's perspective, Akeem Keeps Bees! begins with the arrival and installation of a package of bees and follows Akeem and his Dad throughout the year as they inspect the hive, find the queen, deal with a swarm, harvest honey, and prepare for winter. Every part of the process is illustrated for young readers, teaching them the special role that bees play on a farm. The author, Kamal Bell, is a leading voice among Black farmers educating and inspiring Black youth about farming and beekeeping. Perfect for children ages 6 through 10.
Joy for Books reviewer comments: "The book has an inviting cover and cool illustrations, but it reads more like a textbook. It is very informative, but someone picking it up thinking it's a picture book story will be surprised. This is the reason I gave it a lower Story Engagement rating. The illustrations are amazing! I love the comic book style illustrations. This is all about keeping bees... and the back matter discusses food deserts. While I did not find this book as engaging as some others, I loved that this book about bee keeping featured a Black family and that the Sankofa Farms and their origins were discussed."