Reviews

Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia

bibliobrandie's review

4.0

This collection of middle grade short stories, poems, and one short graphic novel features some of the best middle grade writers (Jason Reynolds! Kwame Mbalia! Jerry Craft!) and has the most amazing cover art by Kadir Nelson. I am not a huge fan of short stories because they always leaving me wanting more but there are some real stand-outs in this collection (they honestly still left me wanting more but I was satisfied in the end). I know this is going to appeal to a lot of middle grade students and hopefully spread more black boy joy.

Spoiler

The last story (part III) where Fortitude has to carry and spread Joy...so good and just the perfect ending.

claire_84's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

traceyreads2's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

caroline_mae's review

5.0

Truly beautiful, I loved every story.

aformeracceleratedreader's review

medium-paced

3.75

I have had a difficult time with anthologies, but this one was wonderful. I enjoyed all the stories of joy. Some of the stories did have feelings of sadness as well but the main focus was even with negative feelings and moments you can always find joy. I also loved the addition of a main storyline to sort of tie all the short stories together. A great middle grade anthology.

kemetaur's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

4.5

mistylynnita's review

emotional lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

2.75

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

5.0

I cried so much more than I expected to while reading a book about joy.

ercamcll's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-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

3.5

pucksandpaperbacks's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

CW: mentions of COVID, racism, bullying, grief, death of a loved one, injury, medical content 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Racism, Grief, and Death