Black Enough

Starred review from October 22, 2018
This collection of 17 original stories is written by contemporary black authors who explore “teens examining, rebelling against, embracing, or simply existing within their own idea of blackness.” The tales offer a wide array of perspectives and thoughtful reflections on black teenagers’ experiences, with pervading themes that include black identity (Varian Johnson’s “Black Enough”), sexual awakening (Justina Ireland’s “Kissing Sarah Smart”), and teenage worries. The stories, all worth savoring, share a celebratory outlook on black teenagers fully and courageously embracing life. Ages 13–up.

November 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-A compilation of short stories that offers unique perspectives on what it means to be young and black in America today. Each entry is deftly woven and full of such complex humanity that teens will identify with and see some of their own struggles in these characters. In Leah Henderson's "Warning: Color May Fade," a prep school girl examines the cost of being and remaining invisible in a world carefully crafted to exclude her. Two girls take the peer pressure of naked selfies and turn it on its head in "Girl, Stop Playing" by Liara Tamani. A group of young black boys dream up food creations heavily influenced by the flavors of other cultures in "The Ingredients" by Jason Reynolds. This collection presents the beauty of black humanity in all its many forms. The teens in these tales are dealing with mental health issues, complicated family dynamics, sexuality and gender constraints, and being part of a marginalized group. The entries offer a rich tableau of the black teen diaspora in an accessible way. VERDICT A great volume for all libraries serving young adults.-Desiree Thomas, Worthington Library, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
A diverse and compelling fiction anthology that taps 17 established, rising star, and new #ownvoices talents.Editor Zoboi (Pride, 2018, etc.) lays out the collection's purpose: exploring black interconnectedness, traditions, and identity in terms of how they apply to black teens. Given that scope, that most stories are contemporary realistic fiction makes sense (Rita Williams-Garcia's humorous "Whoa!" which dips into the waters of speculative fiction, is a notable exception). Conversely, the characters are incredibly varied, as are the narrative styles. Standouts include the elegant simplicity of Jason Reynolds' "The Ingredients," about a group of boys walking home from the swimming pool; Leah Henderson's "Warning: Color May Fade," about an artist afraid to express herself; the immediacy of Tracey Baptiste's "Gravity," about a #MeToo moment of self-actualization birthed from violation; Renee Watson's reflection on family in "Half a Moon"; and the collection's namesake, Varian Johnson's "Black Enough," which highlights the paradigm shift that is getting woke. In these stories, black kids are nerds and geeks, gay and lesbian, first gen and immigrants, outdoorsy and artists, conflicted and confused, grieving and succeeding, thriving and surviving--in short, they're fully human. No collection could represent the entire spectrum of blackness, however, the presence of trans, Afro-Latinx, and physically disabled characters is missed: a clarion call for more authentic black-centric collections.A breath of fresh air and a sigh of long overdue relief. Nuanced and necessary. (contributor biographies) (Anthology. 12-18)

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January 1, 2019
What does it mean to be black? What does black look like? Sound like? Feel like? Zoboi's anthology explores these questions and more in seventeen short stories by an impressive collection of well-known black children's and young adult authors. The Ingredients by Jason Reynolds offers a glimpse of hungry teenagers fantasizing about sandwiches on a hot summer day. The Afrofuturistic Whoa! by Rita Williams-Garcia humorously shows past and present colliding through an ancestral portal. Justina Ireland's Kissing Sarah Smart is a sweet same-sex romance. Other stories deal with the loss of a sibling to suicide; the challenging of parental expectations; romance (a forbidden rendezvous with a secret crush at a drive-in); and a variety of other relatable themes. This collection seeks not merely to counteract society's idea of blackness but to expand it to its fullest expression; it shows teens examining, rebelling against, embracing, or simply existing within their own idea of blackness. It's a celebration of identity through vibrant narratives that will accurately communicate to all young people that they are enough?just as they are. monique harris

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)