"Each author brings an unmistakable voice to the humorous, lighthearted storytelling, affirming that Black people are not a monolith. Every character and every chapter celebrates Black culture through language, fashion and individuality." - Shelf Awareness
"Rich with intersectional queer representation and light with banter, humor, and even philosophy, this beautiful collaboration hits different from your typical romance novel, ultimately evoking the warmth of greater connection, community, and belonging." - Booklist (starred review)
"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." - Kirkus Reviews
"Six stories of romance from six Black young adult authors set this collaborative novel apart, with the tales, all set during a (fictional) summer blackout affecting all of New York City, intertwining as the characters make their way toward a block party in Brooklyn... An easy, entertaining summer read, with each author taking advantage of the premise to write into the underserved space of Black young adult rom-com." - Horn Book Magazine
"There’s plenty to smile, sigh, or swoon at here, and readers will happily keep the lights on to see these charming romances to the end." - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Readers in search of joyful stories of young Black love will adore Blackout." - Bookpage (starred review)
"In Blackout, young Black love with all its insecurities, mistakes, emotion, honesty, and humanity makes for a lush read. Even amidst their fears, these characters are wonderfully respectful of each other's choices. You will root for them all to find their own right love at their own right time. And though it was written for young adults, Blackout is a must-read for all generations." - NPR
"Young Black love glows throughout this collaboration by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon, which follows six couples through a summer blackout in New York City... As each teen makes their way home, this joyful collaboration brings a necessary elation to stories of Black love, queer love, and alternative forms of affection, all of which are all tenderly highlighted in these narratives." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
You don’t need to travel far to discover what the readers in Illinois are enjoying this summer. The Prairie State has so much to see — and plenty to read. Meet one of our Illinois-based booksellers and explore her favorite summertime recs, down below. From Bookseller Amy L. Deer Park is a community that is […]
Our June Monthly Picks have arrived, and you know we love to make it easy for you with six titles hand-selected for your summer reading pleasure. This month, search for your best friend after her sudden disappearance; land a job finishing your favorite author’s book after they die unexpectedly; follow six interconnected stories of Black […]