Reviews

Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia

gabieowleyess's review

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3.0

So lovely! ❤️

book_nut's review

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4.0

A very eclectic collection. But a good one.

bremenwhitlock's review

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5.0

A truly incredible group of authors. There is so much heart and love poured into these works!

yapha's review

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4.0

This is an excellent collection of short stories, which all fit under the category of the title -- Black Boy Joy. There is a wide mix under that umbrella -- fantasy, science fiction, realistic fiction, and even a graphic novel selection! The stories definitely include something for everyone and the authors are amazing! Readers will be introduced to some new authors and will hopefully be inspired to seek out more of their work. This belongs in every school library and classroom libraries in upper elementary and middle school. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

danyell919's review

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4.0

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think this was a wonderful collection of joyful stories. I definitely enjoyed some more than others, but it was a very happy read.

stheyphanie's review

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5.0

such a feel-good book. i keep saying i don’t like middle grade books and my friends keep proving me wrong. these stories were such a delight! i loved the variety of genre and it gave me the warm fuzzies over and over again!

antoinettepowb's review

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5.0

All the FEELS!! What an incredible collection of stories! These stories made me laugh, made me cry, made me hug my Black boys just a little tighter. I love how it shows that all Black boys are not same; they have different interests, experiences and a wide range of emotions. Kwame Mbalia does a great job tying them all together with "The Griot of Grover Street" collecting joy. The blend of poetry, sci-fi, realistic fiction and more displayed so much love and joy it was an AMAZING read!
Thanks NetGalley!

mandkips's review against another edition

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

3.75


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dejeunee's review

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
This book had me smiling from ear to ear the majority of the time I was reading it. This is a collection of short stories from Black male and non-binary authors. I would say it’s target audience is middle grade readers but honestly anyone can enjoy this. It includes tales of young Black boys and the mischief and adventures they get into. Some of the stories include fanasty and some magical realism and stories from various cultures in the diaspora. I can’t wait to read this with my kids! 

natashaniezgoda's review

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4.0

Celebrating and fostering young joy is so special and becoming rare. This was a beautiful celebration through very clever, fun, imaginative, and heartwarming stories.