From: Publishers Weekly

"This collection of 17 original stories is written by contemporary black authors who explore "teens examining, rebelling against, embracing, or simply existing within their own idea of blackness." The tales offer a wide array of perspectives and thoughtful reflections on black teenagers' experiences, with pervading themes that include black identity (Varian Johnson's "Black Enough"), sexual awakening (Justina Ireland's "Kissing Sarah Smart"), and teenage worries. The stories, all worth savoring, share a celebratory outlook on black teenagers fully and courageously embracing life."

Leaves you wanting more

As much as I enjoyed these stories, I wanted them to continue. This was a book that celebrates diversity of men & women, both in terms of race, religion, family values. The voices come across the page, grabbing the reader from the first word. Sometimes I forgot that this was a book of stories about young African Americans. These stories could have been about black, or white orAsian kids...amazing stories. I’ll now go and read each authors creations.. ( )

/* Starred Review */ Gr 9 Up—A compilation of short stories that offers unique perspectives on what it means to be young and black in America today. Each entry is deftly woven and full of such complex humanity that teens will identify with and see some of their own struggles in these characters. In Leah Henderson's "Warning: Color May Fade," a prep school girl examines the cost of being and remaining invisible in a world carefully crafted to exclude her. Two girls take the peer pressure of naked selfies and turn it on its head in "Girl, Stop Playing" by Liara Tamani. A group of young black boys dream up food creations heavily influenced by the flavors of other cultures in "The Ingredients" by Jason Reynolds. This collection presents the beauty of black humanity in all its many forms. The teens in these tales are dealing with mental health issues, complicated family dynamics, sexuality and gender constraints, and being part of a marginalized group. The entries offer a rich tableau of the black teen diaspora in an accessible way. VERDICT A great volume for all libraries serving young adults.—Desiree Thomas, Worthington Library, OH --Desiree Thomas (Reviewed 11/01/2018) (School Library Journal, vol 64, issue 11, p80)

This is a great book. I think this is something that teachers should have high school students read. There wasn't a story that I didn't like. MY favorite stories were:
Oreo
Wild Horses, Wild Hearts
Gravity
Hackathon Summers
The (R)Evolution of Nigeria Jones ( )

Black is...sisters navigating their relationship at summer camp in Portland, Oregon, as written by Renée Watson. Black is...three friends walking back from the community pool talking about nothing and everything, in a story by Jason Reynolds. Black is...Nic Stone's high-class beauty dating a boy her momma would never approve of. Black is...two girls kissing in Justina Ireland's story set in Maryland. Black is...urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more because there are countless ways to be Black enough. ( )