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jpluff2334's review
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed these stories that center nerdy Black teen joy. There were magical book clubs in magical book stores, a family where all the boys turn into werewolves including trans men, a corner booth in a restaurant that turns into a safe place to play an online scrabble game, and a repaired friendship after doing a craft for a school project. Some of these got really deep even though most of the premises were pretty wholesome.
tbailey23's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
3.75
3.75 was roughly the average of all the ratings I gave the individual stories, and that seems like a nice place to sit. This was my first short story collection that I read, though, so keep that in mind when reading my review and looking at my rating.
This was a mixed bag of stories, in terms of enjoyment (in my personal opinion), genre and topics. There were some standouts for me, including Nina Evans, in the Round by Kalynn Bayron, Corner Booth by Leah Johnson, Cole's Cruise Blues by Isaac Fitzsimmons, High Strangeness by Desiree S Evans and Requiem of Souls by Terry J Benton-Walker. There were also a few that didn't do much to me.
I felt that a lot of these could've done with more. Maybe that's a feeling I'm supposed to get from a short story but multiple times, particularly in the more fantastical stories, I was left feeling like the background or the story was incomplete. I felt a few would've made excellent novellas, just to have that bit more detail and exploration of themes and world building.
Overall though, I did enjoy my experience with this anthology and look forward to reading a more in the future, as well as some full-length novels from authors in this collection.
This was a mixed bag of stories, in terms of enjoyment (in my personal opinion), genre and topics. There were some standouts for me, including Nina Evans, in the Round by Kalynn Bayron, Corner Booth by Leah Johnson, Cole's Cruise Blues by Isaac Fitzsimmons, High Strangeness by Desiree S Evans and Requiem of Souls by Terry J Benton-Walker. There were also a few that didn't do much to me.
I felt that a lot of these could've done with more. Maybe that's a feeling I'm supposed to get from a short story but multiple times, particularly in the more fantastical stories, I was left feeling like the background or the story was incomplete. I felt a few would've made excellent novellas, just to have that bit more detail and exploration of themes and world building.
Overall though, I did enjoy my experience with this anthology and look forward to reading a more in the future, as well as some full-length novels from authors in this collection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
idlereader's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
gggina13's review
4.0
Find my bookstagram tour stop for this book here :)
A wonderful anthology that's not just inclusive - it shows Black nerds carving out their own spot in fandom and geekdom, places where they are not always welcomed or represented. It's a really important book for teens seeking that representation, and important to share with non-Black teens too, so they grow to understand that diversity alone isn't enough and that a space needs to be truly inclusive to be welcoming.
I love the spread of authors and blend of genres in this anthology. I recommend for basically anyone, and I think reluctant readers will like the 20-page(ish) stories.
A wonderful anthology that's not just inclusive - it shows Black nerds carving out their own spot in fandom and geekdom, places where they are not always welcomed or represented. It's a really important book for teens seeking that representation, and important to share with non-Black teens too, so they grow to understand that diversity alone isn't enough and that a space needs to be truly inclusive to be welcoming.
I love the spread of authors and blend of genres in this anthology. I recommend for basically anyone, and I think reluctant readers will like the 20-page(ish) stories.
thenovelmaura's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to PenguinTeen for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I tend to start out every anthology review by saying that it's hard to rate anthologies! I really love the concept of this one and the fact that it was created to give Black kids and teens with nerdy or geeky interests a sense of community and literary role models. Some of my favorite YA authors are represented here, too! That being said, here's a list of my favorite stories in this anthology and what they're about:
I tend to start out every anthology review by saying that it's hard to rate anthologies! I really love the concept of this one and the fact that it was created to give Black kids and teens with nerdy or geeky interests a sense of community and literary role models. Some of my favorite YA authors are represented here, too! That being said, here's a list of my favorite stories in this anthology and what they're about:
- Nina Evans, in the Round by Kalynn Bayron - A musical theater lover fights against type-casting discrimination from her school's play director.
- Initiative Check by K. Arsenault Rivera - Can a magical DnD session heal the wounds of an old friendship?
- Corner Booth by Leah Johnson - A short and sweet story about two Dictionary Dynamo app rivals who fall for each other in a diner.
- Betty's Best Craft by Elise Bryant - Can a craft-based school assignment heal the wounds of an old friendship? Yes, this one has a very similar plot to "Initiative Check," but they were both fun in their own unique ways!
- Cole's Cruise Blues by Isaac Fitzsimons - A trans boy tries to figure out who he wants to be while flirting with a boy he meets on a cruise ship and bonding with his cute younger stepsister.
- Catalyst Rising by Tracy Deonn - A girl discovers that she's the Philosopher's Stone in this short story that left me wanting more! Seriously, this felt like the first chapter of a novel; someone please tell me that Deonn is writing a longer version of this?
- Requiem of Souls by Terry J. Benton-Walker - A chilling story about a flutist who discovers he can summon ghosts with a song.
- Wolf Tracks by Roseanne A. Brown - A heartwarming story about a werewolf who falls for his best friend and how this changes his relationship with his father.
There are 18 stories in this collection and I've only described 8 of them, so hopefully that gives you an idea of the variety of genres, topics, and kinds of geekiness that are present here. If you're a fan of any of the authors featured, I think this anthology is worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gore
Minor: Homophobia
readwithatlas's review
4.0
I absolutely loved this! Novels like these are hard to rate just because of how contrasting the ratings between stories can be. I did overall think this was well done though. I started giving short reviews to each short story but promptly gave up around halfway when I realized how many there were. Here were the half that I did do though! The others were (mostly) great as well.
— "Our joy, Our Power" by Julian Winters
★★★★☆
I was super excited for this short story because of my love for Julian Winters! This was super sweet, especially the overarching message. The setting was adorable, and I liked the main couple even if we didn't get time to see them develop.
— "The Book Club" by Shari B. Pennant
★★★☆☆
I'm a sucker for a good bookstore setting and fantasy, so I knew I'd like this from the start. Secret magical societies are going to hit every time, so I wish I could've gotten more of this.
— "Nina Evans, in the Round" by Kalynn Bayron
★★★★☆
I'm like really not a fan of this author, so this was a bit a change. I quite liked the wholesomeness with the family dynamics and hopefulness of this one. I enjoyed the inclusion of theater in this historical setting.
— "Earth is Ghetto" by Ibi Zoboi
★☆☆☆☆
I'm not going to lie. I was confused for most of the start, but... ailens! I did like the relatability of the main character in ways but not much else. It's definitely an interesting idea, though? I ended up skimming this one.
— "Initiative Check" by K. Arsenault Rivera
★★★☆☆
This was so fun! Second chances in this magical setting. I wish I could spend more time with these characters and get more explanation on the fantasy, but it works as a short story.
— "Corner Booth" by Leah Johnson
★★★★☆
Another author, I'm not a huge fan of who surprised me! I'm finding that I just love most of these settings. This was nerdy and cute and just a good time. It was predictable, but I doubt it was really trying to throw you for a turn with the twist.
— "Betty's Best Craft" by Elise Bryant
★★☆☆☆
I can't really bring myself to like these second chance stories that much just because I feel like I need more attachment to the characters. But also, this relationship wasn't my favorite of the bunch. I did like the inclusion of crafts and such in this, though.
— "The Panel Shows the Girl" by Amanda Joy
★★★★★
I loved Anaya and her magical little sketchbook. I can't really say much without spoiling this one, but I thought the plot was creative and executed nicely as well!
— "Spirt-filled" by Jordan Ifueko
★★☆☆☆
I just wasn't really interested in this one. I also ended up skimming it. I'm also just not a fan of most works with religious themes.
— "Cole's Cruise Blues" by Issac Fitzsimons
★★★★★
Adored the trans rep in this one! Queer middle school stories are always just pleasant as a whole. There's always a tenderness to them. This was probably my favorite! I also adored the authors other novel so I expected to enjoy this one and was correct.
— "Our joy, Our Power" by Julian Winters
★★★★☆
I was super excited for this short story because of my love for Julian Winters! This was super sweet, especially the overarching message. The setting was adorable, and I liked the main couple even if we didn't get time to see them develop.
— "The Book Club" by Shari B. Pennant
★★★☆☆
I'm a sucker for a good bookstore setting and fantasy, so I knew I'd like this from the start. Secret magical societies are going to hit every time, so I wish I could've gotten more of this.
— "Nina Evans, in the Round" by Kalynn Bayron
★★★★☆
I'm like really not a fan of this author, so this was a bit a change. I quite liked the wholesomeness with the family dynamics and hopefulness of this one. I enjoyed the inclusion of theater in this historical setting.
— "Earth is Ghetto" by Ibi Zoboi
★☆☆☆☆
I'm not going to lie. I was confused for most of the start, but... ailens! I did like the relatability of the main character in ways but not much else. It's definitely an interesting idea, though? I ended up skimming this one.
— "Initiative Check" by K. Arsenault Rivera
★★★☆☆
This was so fun! Second chances in this magical setting. I wish I could spend more time with these characters and get more explanation on the fantasy, but it works as a short story.
— "Corner Booth" by Leah Johnson
★★★★☆
Another author, I'm not a huge fan of who surprised me! I'm finding that I just love most of these settings. This was nerdy and cute and just a good time. It was predictable, but I doubt it was really trying to throw you for a turn with the twist.
— "Betty's Best Craft" by Elise Bryant
★★☆☆☆
I can't really bring myself to like these second chance stories that much just because I feel like I need more attachment to the characters. But also, this relationship wasn't my favorite of the bunch. I did like the inclusion of crafts and such in this, though.
— "The Panel Shows the Girl" by Amanda Joy
★★★★★
I loved Anaya and her magical little sketchbook. I can't really say much without spoiling this one, but I thought the plot was creative and executed nicely as well!
— "Spirt-filled" by Jordan Ifueko
★★☆☆☆
I just wasn't really interested in this one. I also ended up skimming it. I'm also just not a fan of most works with religious themes.
— "Cole's Cruise Blues" by Issac Fitzsimons
★★★★★
Adored the trans rep in this one! Queer middle school stories are always just pleasant as a whole. There's always a tenderness to them. This was probably my favorite! I also adored the authors other novel so I expected to enjoy this one and was correct.
wingspan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
A YA anthology featuring amazing authors about being cool, awkward and Black.