Darnell Johnson – illustratör

Sixth-graders Rhys and Miles overcome challenges in friendship and gaming in this graphic novel told in multiple art stylesand set in both the real world and inside the boys favorite video game.A sequel toPower Up.

Told from Akeem's perspective, Akeem Keeps Bees! begins with the arrival and installation of a package of bees and follows the sequence of beekeeping tasks throughout the year, as Akeem and his dad inspect the hive, find the queen, deal with a swarm, harvest honey, and prepare for winter. Along the way, Akeem also learns the special role that the bees play on the farm. Every part of the process is illustrated for young readers, with graphically inspired panels and diagrams. The author, Kamal Bell, is a leading voice among Black farmers educating and inspiring Black youth about farming and beekeeping.