Book Review: Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined

Authors: Michael Handy
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Upon first opening this beautiful book, I regretted that my district may never approve it for my classroom. Policy in my school district prohibits classroom use of texts that use racial slurs. An initial author’s note uses a specific racial slur numerous times, repeating it throughout the book—always stricken when a character says it, but still appearing in scenery. This is a shame, because Big Jim and the White Boy is magnificent.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Themes in Literature Analysis American Literature and Humor Studies American Literature and Culture

Publication details

Journal / source
ScholarsArchive (Brigham Young University)
Publication date
1 January 2026