Reviews

Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia

library_ann's review against another edition

3.0

The problem with stories of joy is that there isn't always enough conflict to make it spicy.

Some of these stories worked better for me than others.

The powered football game was not for me ; neither was the story about the Jab.

But I really liked the story about the kid who was doing the super-hero team debate.

literary_ya's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

notesonbookmarks's review against another edition

5.0

This collection is a layered connection, where each essay builds upon the last and adds dimension and flavor, all while expanding the definition of joy. I loved it.

danacoledares's review against another edition

5.0

Absolutely delightful. Gonna have to buy a copy of my own!

kappareads's review against another edition

4.0

This was a wonderful anthology! Majority contemporary stories but there were about 6 SF/F stories sprinkled in, which were a delight because I didn't expect the changes in genre!

heykirsten's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

helloakosisam's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lyndsaydurbs's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fun joyful collection of stories surrounding black children with a variety of different home lives and backgrounds. There was a nice mix of fantasy style things and more fiction but I thought it was a great collection with a nice over-arching way that they all felt cohesive

ashleycmms's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief, Police brutality, and Death

Minor: Homophobia and Xenophobia

julsmarshall's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Loved this middle grade story collection by a who’s who of world class authors. With every story written by a Black man, this celebration of boyhood has an authentic, diverse, and exceptional perspective. Highly recommend!