According to Gary the Griot, joy is cultivated through stories, and it is to be shared and distributed to the masses. That is exactly what he teaches his successor, young Fortitude, as they embark on a journey to collect Black boy joy. A collection of short stories aimed at middle-graders, this title offers a fierce lineup of 17 Black male and nonbinary authors exploring what exactly it means to exist as a Black boy (or person) without a hyperfocus on the inescapable pains of Black life in America. The contributors offer a warm embrace of the plurality of Blackness, with stories spanning from intergalactic world-saving to expressing one's true gender identity and from whipping up tantalizing dessert recipes, to the process behind getting first-day-of-school fly, just to describe a few. All the while, Mbalia lovingly connects the stories through his three-part contribution, "The Griot of Grover Street." Though the title and cover may convince you otherwise, it is important to note that this book doesn't shy away from sadness, fear, or anger; what sets it apart, however, is that the stories are predicated upon joy. In a world where Black boys' stories are often tragedies, statistics, and stereotypes, this work surely reclaims ownership over the boldness, creativity, and wholeness they possess. A great addition to a classroom collection and an even better family read; pick up Black Boy Joy for a heavy dose of happiness.

An anthology spotlights the many ways Black boys find joy as they learn and grow in the world. Seventeen writers, some very well known--Jason Reynolds, Jerry Craft, Varian Johnson--others representing newer voices, present short pieces that depict Black boys exploring their communities, families, sexuality, and even space and time as they come of age and grow in confidence and understanding. Editor Mbalia contributes a story in three parts that provides a metanarrative that further emphasizes the magic of taking joy in life and in storytelling. While the thematic thread provides a scaffold, each of the stories is independently successful. Readers experience Black boys seeking excellence in, among other things, a debate about superheroes, a baking contest, learning to pilot a plane, skateboarding, and determining the true meanings of fly and cool. There is acceptance and celebration of differences in the expression of Black masculinity, along with respect for girls and women. Reflections of Black culture give the stories richness and texture. There are many examples of strong family connections and community support. Most of the contributions are prose, but the compilation includes a graphic story as well as one in verse. There is variety in tone and style: Some are humorous, some are poignant, but all are compelling reading. The length of the stories makes them ideal for discussion and student responses. A unique, timely, and necessary read. (about the authors) (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 3--7--It can be challenging to find resonant books for middle grade Black boys that reflect the diversity of their experiences. A solution is right here with this excellent anthology. This exuberant collection runs the gamut, featuring prose and verse with illustrations from 17 Black male and nonbinary creators. Contributors include authors across a variety of youth literature genres, such as Jason Reynolds, Tochi Onyebuchi, Dean Atta, and Julian Winters. The stories themselves are short enough to appeal to reluctant readers and address all kinds of topics, from losing a close relative to saving the galaxy to getting injured doing a sport and the first day of school. Relationships and connection are the throughlines that render these seemingly disparate stories a cohesive whole. No matter if readers are into music, art, sports, church, or fantastical adventure, there is something in this book that they will connect with. VERDICT This book is a must-have in every collection for its variety of topics and its celebration of Black boyhood in all its forms.--Michelle Kornberger, Havenview M.S., Memphis

This short story collection, edited by 2020 CSK honoree Mbalia (for Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, rev. 7/20), makes it clear that Black boyhood is something to celebrate, starting with Kadir Nelson's beautiful cover portrait depicting a smiling Black boy, with the book's title in glittering gold letters above him. The volume opens with a story by Mbalia, in which Fortitude (Fort) Jones is attending his aunt Netta's funeral. Overwhelmed, Fort leaves the church and accidentally runs into the eccentric Gary the Griot (Mr. G). In the crash, Mr. G's mysterious "joy jar" is broken. Fort agrees to help refill the jar -- and finds himself on an intergalactic journey to find joy. The seventeen stories represent that joy as the authors and illustrators -- all Black men, including Jason Reynolds, Jerry Craft, and Varian Johnson -- present readers with a diverse representation of Black boyhood. The boys are from the United States, Nigeria, and the Caribbean. Their use of language is representative of where they are from. They are straight and gay. Some are cisgender, while others are gender nonconforming. They like to bake, rap, sew, and play football. The engaging stories are told through prose, verse, and the graphic novel format. No matter who the boys are, they are satisfyingly surrounded by loving extended family members who encourage them to be themselves. Short biographies of the contributors are appended. Nicholl Denice Montgomery September/October 2021 p.98(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This luminous middle-grade anthology edited by Mbalia (the Tristan Strong series) features 17 stories by as many Black male and nonbinary authors focusing on Black boys' happiness. Mbalia kicks off the magic with "The Griot of Grover Street," in which a boy takes a leap of faith to an unknown place guided by an eccentric elder. In "There's Going to Be a Fight in the Cafeteria on Friday and You Better Not Bring Batman," Lamar Giles presents a superhero-loving child who embraces a rich range of superheroes with the help of his family, while Varian Johnson offers a lesson in championing individuality in "The Definition of Cool." And Julian Winters's "The Legendary Lawrence Cobbler" combines baking with a touching coming-out revelation that brings a family closer together and emphasizes the significance of intergenerational bonds. Filtering perennial subjects such as friendships, gender identity, and family through the lenses of magic, science, space travel, superheroes, and more, this is an exuberant celebration of carefree Black experiences; while it will especially resonate with Black readers, any reader will appreciate how this genre-bending collection expands the horizons of what joy for Black boys can be. Ages 9--12. Agent: Patrice Caldwell, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Aug.)