Book Review: Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stine, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon

Six authors pen six stories that weave together a journey of love and self discovery for a group of teens on their way to a block party in the middle of New York during a hot summer in the middle of a blackout. What will the teens discover about themselves and what love really is?

Each story is about people of color written about people of color, which is a needed viewpoint when it comes to love. 

Six authors collaborate to create an interwoven story set during a blackout. Unbearably hot temperatures in New York City cause a sudden blackout, simultaneously throwing plans into chaos and creating unexpected opportunities. Contributor Clayton, who is joined by YA superstars Jackson, Stone, Thomas, Woodfolk, and Yoon, was inspired by Covid-19 and the “metaphorical blackout” it has created for the world to initiate this project that embraces a wide spectrum of Blackness and sexuality. Working together to deliver a fantastic mix of humor and romance, these authors offer something fun and lighthearted that is welcome during the continuing pandemic and that will bring joy long after it’s over. A celebration of Black teen love and the magic of possibility. - Kirkus Review

Book Information:

Clayton. D, Jackson, T, Stone, N, Thomas, A, Woodfolk, A, & Yoon, N. (2021). BLACKOUT. Quill Tree Books: New York. ISBN 9780063088092

What next?

Read Whiteout by the same group of authors! Instead of a summer heat wave the teens deal with a historic snowstorm in the south!