King Monte: Are You My P.E. Teacher?

By: Michael A. Woodward Jr

Narrated by: Michael A. Woodward Jr.

Ten-year-old Monte has always been surrounded by his best friends: Kids who look like him, live near him, and go to class with him. But when his mother pushes him into the school's honors program, Monte feels like he's stumbled into a whole new world, and despite the fancy calculators and college banners, he's still not sure this world is better than the one he left behind. One thing that’s certainly different, is Monte’s fourth grade teacher who’s unlike any teacher he’s ever had - he’s a black male.

Monte must decide if succeeding in the honors program is worth the effort - and the risk of failure. Even more importantly, he must convince his old friends that he's still there for them after the school bell rings, when they all head back to the south side neighborhood and the challenges that await them around each corner.

In a potent blend of realism and hope, Michael Woodward, Jr.’s King Monte: Are You My P.E. Teacher? illustrates a talented African American child's struggle to find the right role models, conquer self-doubt, and change not just his own life but the lives of the people he loves.

©2020 Michael A. Woodward, Jr. (P)2020 Michael A. Woodward, Jr.

Keep the books for black boys coming!

When I found this book I knew I had to get it for my son. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it, but it’s hard to come across books that center on black boys. King Monte’s story resonates somewhat with my son. I loved that we got a glimpse into what a child might be feeling and thinking across different scenarios. I would love if King Monte became a series of books with different themes. The audio was not great quality at all, but if more people supported black books, it could get better.