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The People Can Fly: American Promise, Black Prodigies, and the Greatest Miracle of All Time
Whiting award-winning poet and Distinguished Chair of Humanities at MIT, Dr. Joshua Bennett creates a masterful synthesis of personal narrative and history that illuminates the promises and perils of being labelled a Black prodigy.
The outside world’s perception of Black promise comes and goes. It does so in ways that are undeniably advantageous for Black children. Yet here, Dr. Bennett explores the rarely examined pitfalls of being a Black prodigy in a society that has, too often, defined Blackness as the very absence of intellect. Bennett probes what it means to be othered, even if this othering is the same key to an individual’s success in an unfair world, demanding that we build alternative futures that make space for the promise and hope of every child.
In The People Can Fly Bennet shares his own academic journey—including spoken word performances at The White House and Sundance Film Festival, an NAACP Image Award, and a Guggenheim Foundation fellowship—mirrors the ebb and flow between being deemed promising and “a problem.” He bolsters this personal narrative by observing how disability within his own family complicates societies perception of genius, and by diving into the under-examined history of young intellectuals like Oscar Moore, Thomas Wiggins, Stephen Wiltshire, and others. Together, Bennett lays out an arresting portrait of a world that obscures genius behind a disorienting facade of otherness and exceptionality.
With arresting prose and grace, The People Can Fly is an eye-opening reflection on what it means to be labelled gifted in today’s world; and a personal history and love letter to all the Black prodigies who have disturbed the veil of racism, and the children who will continue to do so.
The outside world’s perception of Black promise comes and goes. It does so in ways that are undeniably advantageous for Black children. Yet here, Dr. Bennett explores the rarely examined pitfalls of being a Black prodigy in a society that has, too often, defined Blackness as the very absence of intellect. Bennett probes what it means to be othered, even if this othering is the same key to an individual’s success in an unfair world, demanding that we build alternative futures that make space for the promise and hope of every child.
In The People Can Fly Bennet shares his own academic journey—including spoken word performances at The White House and Sundance Film Festival, an NAACP Image Award, and a Guggenheim Foundation fellowship—mirrors the ebb and flow between being deemed promising and “a problem.” He bolsters this personal narrative by observing how disability within his own family complicates societies perception of genius, and by diving into the under-examined history of young intellectuals like Oscar Moore, Thomas Wiggins, Stephen Wiltshire, and others. Together, Bennett lays out an arresting portrait of a world that obscures genius behind a disorienting facade of otherness and exceptionality.
With arresting prose and grace, The People Can Fly is an eye-opening reflection on what it means to be labelled gifted in today’s world; and a personal history and love letter to all the Black prodigies who have disturbed the veil of racism, and the children who will continue to do so.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
20 people are currently reading
3629 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Bennett
35 books91 followersJoshua Bennett received his Ph.D. in English from Princeton University. He also holds an M.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Warwick, where he was a Marshall Scholar. In 2010, he delivered the Commencement Address at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated with the distinctions of Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude.
Winner of the 2015 National Poetry Series, Dr. Bennett has received fellowships from the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop, Cave Canem, the Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust, and the Ford Foundation. His writing has been published or is forthcoming in Boston Review, Callaloo, The Kenyon Review, Poetry and elsewhere. He has recited his original work at venues such as the Sundance Film Festival, the NAACP Image Awards, and President Obama’s Evening of Poetry and Music at The White House. He is currently a member of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University.
Winner of the 2015 National Poetry Series, Dr. Bennett has received fellowships from the Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop, Cave Canem, the Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust, and the Ford Foundation. His writing has been published or is forthcoming in Boston Review, Callaloo, The Kenyon Review, Poetry and elsewhere. He has recited his original work at venues such as the Sundance Film Festival, the NAACP Image Awards, and President Obama’s Evening of Poetry and Music at The White House. He is currently a member of the Society of Fellows at Harvard University.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 14, 2026
In this book, Joshua Bennett (a professor of literature at MIT) discusses the history and contribution of black prodigies throughout US History. He discusses his own education and experience from a young age as a poet and performance artist. He pays tribute to many of the black writers, revolutionaries, scientists, educators, and performers who have inspired him.
Naturally, his writing style is quite poetic. He's clearly very smart and has very deep knowledge of many of these figures. Unfortunately, I found that the book as a whole didn't really cohere for me. He clearly makes the point that throughout US history, black prodigies have been treated with skepticism, exploitation, underappreciation, or ostracization. Beyond that, I'm not really sure what else he is trying to say. The chapters in the book seem like academic assignments rather than vehicles for communicating to an audience. He wants to give us glimpses into the brilliance of these figures (and in some sense he succeeds because there are new people whose work I now want to explore) but I ultimately felt I was being told how profound they were for him rather than getting to appreciate the experiences for myself.
Naturally, his writing style is quite poetic. He's clearly very smart and has very deep knowledge of many of these figures. Unfortunately, I found that the book as a whole didn't really cohere for me. He clearly makes the point that throughout US history, black prodigies have been treated with skepticism, exploitation, underappreciation, or ostracization. Beyond that, I'm not really sure what else he is trying to say. The chapters in the book seem like academic assignments rather than vehicles for communicating to an audience. He wants to give us glimpses into the brilliance of these figures (and in some sense he succeeds because there are new people whose work I now want to explore) but I ultimately felt I was being told how profound they were for him rather than getting to appreciate the experiences for myself.
March 1, 2026
Very well written. The personal narrative aspects get lost at times as Bennett oscillates into Black prodigies that precede him, which is an intentional device to demonstrate he is part of something larger. Each chapter is more of an essay. I would have liked to have read more about him!
“There is a heart beating in your chest right now. Let it be your compass.”
“I’m in search the echoes of questions I already hold dear, as well as ones I’ve rarely considered.”
“There is a heart beating in your chest right now. Let it be your compass.”
“I’m in search the echoes of questions I already hold dear, as well as ones I’ve rarely considered.”
March 9, 2026
The People Can Fly: American Promise, Black Prodigies, and the Greatest Miracle of All Time
by Joshua Bennett
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for the ARC 💛📚
Joshua Bennett’s The People Can Fly is part memoir, part history, and part meditation on what it means to be labeled “gifted” in a world that has too often denied Black brilliance in the first place. It is thoughtful, challenging, and beautifully written, which makes sense given that Bennett is first and foremost a poet.
Bennett weaves together his own experiences navigating elite academic spaces with stories of Black prodigies across history. From artists to activists to intellectuals, he highlights people whose brilliance disrupted the narratives society had already written for them. What struck me most was the tension he explores between praise and othering. Being called exceptional can open doors, but it can also isolate, turning someone into a symbol rather than simply allowing them to be human.
The writing is lyrical and reflective. There are moments that feel almost like spoken word on the page. Bennett clearly cares deeply about the subject, and his personal stories about family, disability, and identity add emotional depth to the broader historical discussions.
That said, the structure felt a little uneven at times. The book reads more like a collection of essays than a single flowing narrative. Bennett sometimes moves quickly between people and ideas, and I occasionally found myself wishing for clearer connections between sections.
Still, the core message lands powerfully. This book asks readers to reconsider how we define intelligence, who gets to be called a genius, and what it costs to carry the label of “prodigy,” especially for Black children growing up in spaces where brilliance is both celebrated and scrutinized.
What I Loved
• Beautiful, poetic writing ✨
• Thoughtful exploration of identity and genius
• Fascinating historical figures woven throughout
• Honest reflections on race, expectation, and belonging
What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
• The essay style sometimes felt disjointed
• I occasionally wanted deeper focus on fewer stories
⭐ 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
A reflective, thought-provoking read that shines brightest in its lyrical prose and powerful ideas. Even when the structure wandered, the questions Bennett raises about brilliance, belonging, and how we nurture young minds are ones worth sitting with.
by Joshua Bennett
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for the ARC 💛📚
Joshua Bennett’s The People Can Fly is part memoir, part history, and part meditation on what it means to be labeled “gifted” in a world that has too often denied Black brilliance in the first place. It is thoughtful, challenging, and beautifully written, which makes sense given that Bennett is first and foremost a poet.
Bennett weaves together his own experiences navigating elite academic spaces with stories of Black prodigies across history. From artists to activists to intellectuals, he highlights people whose brilliance disrupted the narratives society had already written for them. What struck me most was the tension he explores between praise and othering. Being called exceptional can open doors, but it can also isolate, turning someone into a symbol rather than simply allowing them to be human.
The writing is lyrical and reflective. There are moments that feel almost like spoken word on the page. Bennett clearly cares deeply about the subject, and his personal stories about family, disability, and identity add emotional depth to the broader historical discussions.
That said, the structure felt a little uneven at times. The book reads more like a collection of essays than a single flowing narrative. Bennett sometimes moves quickly between people and ideas, and I occasionally found myself wishing for clearer connections between sections.
Still, the core message lands powerfully. This book asks readers to reconsider how we define intelligence, who gets to be called a genius, and what it costs to carry the label of “prodigy,” especially for Black children growing up in spaces where brilliance is both celebrated and scrutinized.
What I Loved
• Beautiful, poetic writing ✨
• Thoughtful exploration of identity and genius
• Fascinating historical figures woven throughout
• Honest reflections on race, expectation, and belonging
What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
• The essay style sometimes felt disjointed
• I occasionally wanted deeper focus on fewer stories
⭐ 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
A reflective, thought-provoking read that shines brightest in its lyrical prose and powerful ideas. Even when the structure wandered, the questions Bennett raises about brilliance, belonging, and how we nurture young minds are ones worth sitting with.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up.
I recently had a conversation with a mentor about my experience with the gifted program because her son also went through it. As a science and math nerd, I was fascinated by his experience with the program and the classes he engaged in. I just assumed that all gifted students fell under the traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) pathways, but I was pleased to learn that my assumptions were incorrect.
I felt a similar feeling when listening to The People Can Fly. Bennett's review of what it means to be a prodigy and how various Black prodigies have existed across multiple decades was interesting. While I typically enjoy when authors blend their own personal narrative with history, it didn't always work here. I think I would've preferred two separate stories - one about Joshua and how he navigates the world as a Black prodigy and a separate one about Black prodigies across history.
Still, the writing was beautiful (this is the second book that I've read by a poet, and I've been spoiled) and really resonated with my experience as a Black prodigy. Give this one a chance if you're curious about how history treats Black prodigies and the ways we continue to survive and thrive.
The author narrated the audiobook, and I think he did a great job.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.
I recently had a conversation with a mentor about my experience with the gifted program because her son also went through it. As a science and math nerd, I was fascinated by his experience with the program and the classes he engaged in. I just assumed that all gifted students fell under the traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) pathways, but I was pleased to learn that my assumptions were incorrect.
I felt a similar feeling when listening to The People Can Fly. Bennett's review of what it means to be a prodigy and how various Black prodigies have existed across multiple decades was interesting. While I typically enjoy when authors blend their own personal narrative with history, it didn't always work here. I think I would've preferred two separate stories - one about Joshua and how he navigates the world as a Black prodigy and a separate one about Black prodigies across history.
Still, the writing was beautiful (this is the second book that I've read by a poet, and I've been spoiled) and really resonated with my experience as a Black prodigy. Give this one a chance if you're curious about how history treats Black prodigies and the ways we continue to survive and thrive.
The author narrated the audiobook, and I think he did a great job.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book is described as combining the author's personal narrative and history with the history of other Black people throughout history that were considered "gifted" in some way. Covering everyone from Stevie Wonder to Malcolm X to Nikki Giovanni, as well as lesser known gifted individuals, the book gives a glimpse into their life and how their talents and gifts were viewed. It also speaks to the hurdles they faced when being gifted and Black
I think this book is better termed as a collection of essays. The author is clearly a gifted writer and the writing overall is good. However, the book felt very disjointed to me. There wasn't a clear flow between, or even within, chapters. It seemed that the author jumped from person to person in some cases. Maybe it was just me, but I found it hard to figure out exactly where the author was going at times. I think the concept is great and the stories very interesting and inspiring, but the book needed more cohesion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think this book is better termed as a collection of essays. The author is clearly a gifted writer and the writing overall is good. However, the book felt very disjointed to me. There wasn't a clear flow between, or even within, chapters. It seemed that the author jumped from person to person in some cases. Maybe it was just me, but I found it hard to figure out exactly where the author was going at times. I think the concept is great and the stories very interesting and inspiring, but the book needed more cohesion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
This one was really insightful. I think it offers clarity into what it really means to be labeled as a prodigy while Black. The author blends his own story—moving through elite academic spaces, major performances, and big honors—with a wider look at how society treats young Black brilliance, often praising it while still boxing it in. This is a great view into how, in this society, race isn’t something you can set aside, even if when you're being celebrated.
Bennett explores the tension between being seen as exceptional and being treated like an outsider. The sections on disability, family, and overlooked figures from the past added layers to consider even outside the STEM narrative.
The writing feels thoughtful and grounded, and hearing Bennett narrate the audio-book made it even more personal. This book might challenge a lot of readers' assumptions, challenging how we define intelligence and who gets to be seen as a genius in the first place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Little, Brown & Company for the ALC.
Bennett explores the tension between being seen as exceptional and being treated like an outsider. The sections on disability, family, and overlooked figures from the past added layers to consider even outside the STEM narrative.
The writing feels thoughtful and grounded, and hearing Bennett narrate the audio-book made it even more personal. This book might challenge a lot of readers' assumptions, challenging how we define intelligence and who gets to be seen as a genius in the first place.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Little, Brown & Company for the ALC.
February 17, 2026
The author’s gift for language, for description, and turn of phrase is remarkable.
Hearing it in his own voice made the experience even more special.
The way his praise for those he admires- Gwendolyn Brooks, Malcolm, Stevie Wonder, Nikki Giovanni, et al - is broad and powerful makes me want to recheck my own understanding; what I had been taught. The praise keeps coming in waves, crashing onto the beach of what I thought I knew about those luminaries.
His love of Brooks makes me want to explore her writing.
The concept of the golden shovel is so interesting I would love to see a book solely based on that subject (does it already exist?)
And Dr. Bennett’s exploration of giftedness is fascinating, particularly as it pertains to gifted black and brown children whose gifts were doubted, questioned, and then exploited:
Hearing it in his own voice made the experience even more special.
The way his praise for those he admires- Gwendolyn Brooks, Malcolm, Stevie Wonder, Nikki Giovanni, et al - is broad and powerful makes me want to recheck my own understanding; what I had been taught. The praise keeps coming in waves, crashing onto the beach of what I thought I knew about those luminaries.
His love of Brooks makes me want to explore her writing.
The concept of the golden shovel is so interesting I would love to see a book solely based on that subject (does it already exist?)
And Dr. Bennett’s exploration of giftedness is fascinating, particularly as it pertains to gifted black and brown children whose gifts were doubted, questioned, and then exploited:
February 19, 2026
This is a creatively written, thoughtful collection that I’m genuinely glad I read.
Some of the poems are beautifully constructed, sharp and precise, with lines that linger long after you close the page. There’s intelligence and emotional depth throughout. It explores identity, history, vulnerability and survival in a way that feels deliberate and carefully crafted.
That said, I found it hard going at times. It isn’t a collection you can race through. I often had to slow down, reread, and sit with certain pieces. A few poems felt dense for me personally, and not all of them landed with the same impact.
But the strength of the writing is undeniable. Even when it stretched me, it felt purposeful rather than obscure for the sake of it.
I’m glad I stepped outside my usual reading comfort zone for this one. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a meaningful one.
Some of the poems are beautifully constructed, sharp and precise, with lines that linger long after you close the page. There’s intelligence and emotional depth throughout. It explores identity, history, vulnerability and survival in a way that feels deliberate and carefully crafted.
That said, I found it hard going at times. It isn’t a collection you can race through. I often had to slow down, reread, and sit with certain pieces. A few poems felt dense for me personally, and not all of them landed with the same impact.
But the strength of the writing is undeniable. Even when it stretched me, it felt purposeful rather than obscure for the sake of it.
I’m glad I stepped outside my usual reading comfort zone for this one. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a meaningful one.
Read
March 23, 2026I am going to refrain from rating this, because it kind of makes me feel ick as a white girl judging what reads as a passion project from a supremely talented and intentional writer. What I will say is that this felt noncohesive-- my personal preference would have been to take the "auto-bibliography" chapter, expand that to make it more memoir-esque with snippets of all of the other thoughts/stories entwined throughout, rather than having such distinct chapters. Bennett's writing is so smart (Owed is a solid 5 stars), but this reads very much professor rather than author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As an educator and a student of Black pedagogy and tradition I love how Dr Bennett mixed his story, his families histories with theory and the stories of current and historic forms of genius. I learned so much about so much (disability, the autism spectrum, music, art, philosophy, etc, etc,) and I have a list of people I am excited to learn more about!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced audio recording.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced audio recording.
February 14, 2026
interesting and enlightening nonfiction work with an amazing writing style that brings together some of the most famous and interesting people and analyzes their archives. it's a fantastic read that i think would work well for anyone. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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January 25, 2026
This book opened up a whole new world for me. I took pictures of all the people and incidents I wish to read more about. My heart breaks with the weight of hatred and misunderstanding that is in the world. Thank you Mr. Bennett for an enlightening book!
March 15, 2026
Really interesting. The author finds a good way to connect his own experiences with the lifes of other exceptional black people that came before him while also creating a story the reader can follow.
January 18, 2026
4 ⭐️ Joshua Bennett, you’ve got a beautiful gift
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Enlighting
February 14, 2026
I like the parts that celebrate artists, poets, and musicians.
February 21, 2026
3.75 STARS
reviewing coming soon
reviewing coming soon
February 22, 2026
Following Bennett’s career is a thrill. As a Chicagoan, I’ve been indoctrinated with Gwendolyn Brooks, but Bennett renders her (and Stevie Wonder, plus others) completely anew.
February 25, 2026
This book has an interesting premise, but it felt a bit disjointed to me. I did appreciate learning about people from different backgrounds and am happy to have some new poetry and art to check out.
March 9, 2026
This book is a really good read. Joshua Bennett was a child prodigy, and he reflects on what they means to him.
March 9, 2026
الكتاب الخامس من تحدّي قراءة 26 كتابًا
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رغم إعجابي بالفكرة وبأسلوب الكاتب، ظل يراودني شعور بأن الكتاب كان بحاجة إلى قدر أكبر من التنظيم. في أحيان كثيرة كنت أجد نفسي أتيه بين الأسماء والأزمنة؛ ينتقل من شخص إلى آخر على نحو مفاجئ، ومن مرحلة تاريخية إلى أخرى، ومن فكرة إلى غيرها، وكأنني أحاول الإمساك بخيطٍ سرديٍّ لا يلبث أن ينفلت من يدي. لم تكن المشكلة في القصص ذاتها، فهي ثرية ومثيرة للاهتمام فعلًا، وإنما في طريقة نسجها وجمعها ضمن إطار واحد.
وفي بعض الصفحات، ساورني إحساس بأنني أقرأ مسودة أولى تعجّ بأفكار لامعة ومغرية، لكنها لم تُصقل أو تُرتَّب بما يكفي لتبلغ أقصى ما يمكن أن تبلغه من قوة وتأثير.
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رغم إعجابي بالفكرة وبأسلوب الكاتب، ظل يراودني شعور بأن الكتاب كان بحاجة إلى قدر أكبر من التنظيم. في أحيان كثيرة كنت أجد نفسي أتيه بين الأسماء والأزمنة؛ ينتقل من شخص إلى آخر على نحو مفاجئ، ومن مرحلة تاريخية إلى أخرى، ومن فكرة إلى غيرها، وكأنني أحاول الإمساك بخيطٍ سرديٍّ لا يلبث أن ينفلت من يدي. لم تكن المشكلة في القصص ذاتها، فهي ثرية ومثيرة للاهتمام فعلًا، وإنما في طريقة نسجها وجمعها ضمن إطار واحد.
وفي بعض الصفحات، ساورني إحساس بأنني أقرأ مسودة أولى تعجّ بأفكار لامعة ومغرية، لكنها لم تُصقل أو تُرتَّب بما يكفي لتبلغ أقصى ما يمكن أن تبلغه من قوة وتأثير.
March 20, 2026
10% in.
Good start. I like the idea of showing Black lives from different walks of life that expand the stereotypes.
The protagonist has gone to half the Ivy League schools and has to live up to the promise of his youth prodigy label as an adult. What now?
....keep reading...
50% in. The author discusses his upbringing in the Bx and his family dynamics with slight detachment, aside from his grandma. The prose, at times, seems forced. Some chapters had me skipping pages. Others redeemed the author.
The premise is good. Perhaps the book should have been structured differently. I don’t know.
….keep reading….
The biography of sone geniuses such as Stevie Winder and Ray Charles were redundant to me because I am already a huge fan. But younger audiences might love it.
I got the audiobook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Good start. I like the idea of showing Black lives from different walks of life that expand the stereotypes.
The protagonist has gone to half the Ivy League schools and has to live up to the promise of his youth prodigy label as an adult. What now?
....keep reading...
50% in. The author discusses his upbringing in the Bx and his family dynamics with slight detachment, aside from his grandma. The prose, at times, seems forced. Some chapters had me skipping pages. Others redeemed the author.
The premise is good. Perhaps the book should have been structured differently. I don’t know.
….keep reading….
The biography of sone geniuses such as Stevie Winder and Ray Charles were redundant to me because I am already a huge fan. But younger audiences might love it.
I got the audiobook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews