afro8921's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this collection of story curated by Kwame Mbalia. I really enjoyed the puzzle story and the plane ride.
violet_reads's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
writehollydavis's review against another edition
4.0
What a wonderful way to celebrate black boy joy with these short stories with diverse characters and authors alike. I appreciated the overarching story that connected them all, too. I wished there had been more than 1 poem and 1 comic since the description said 'collection of short stories, comics, and poems'. I was looking forward to consuming the different forms of media, but I still enjoyed reading most of the short stories here! With tons of voice, poignant messages, and funny lines, this is a collection for all to enjoy.
sarah_david1979's review against another edition
4.0
What a collection of powerhouse writers! There is such a wonderful variety of stories and genres within this book. The ending by Jerry Craft was perfection.
gemmapz's review against another edition
5.0
The JOY is for everyone, but celebrates the imagination, humanity, and depth of black boys and their families. Beautiful, lyrical and magical.
sasavino's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
readingintothevoid's review against another edition
4.5
The story where the gay boy gets accepted by his dad and then his grandma comes out as bi!! 😭😭
bushrasbookbabbles's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
This book is targeted to boys ages 9-12. There were a minimum of EIGHTEEN instances of queer attraction or identity. Two of the 11-12 year old boys are gay. Two are non-binary (albeit one is a side character). One of the stories is literally about coming out as non-binary. There is a bisexual grandma, a gay brother, a gay uncle, a gay sister and an inappropriate moment where a 12 year old girls keeping referring to a character’s father as “fine”.