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48 pages 1 hour read

Blackout

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL650L

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Super Short Summary

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon is a collection of interconnected short stories celebrating Black teens in New York City during a city-wide blackout. Various characters, including Tammi, Kareem, JJ, Tremaine, Nella, Joss, Lana, Kayla, Tristán, Grace, and Seymour, navigate personal revelations and romantic encounters amidst the chaos. The book contains discussions of bullying and themes related to exploring sexual orientation and identity.

Romantic

Hopeful

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.2

25,614 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon masterfully weaves six love stories during a summer blackout in New York City. Praised for its diverse characters, engaging narrative voices, and reflections on Black joy and love, the book is occasionally critiqued for varying story impact. An enlightening and heartfelt read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Blackout?

Readers who enjoy Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon will appreciate diverse, contemporary YA romance with a focus on Black teens. Fans of The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and Love, Simon by Becky Albertalli will find it similarly engaging.

4.2

25,614 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Tammi

A Black teenage girl from New York City who dreams of a career in film and television, striving for transformation and personal growth after a breakup.

A Black teenage boy in New York City pursuing a career in music, deeply connected to those around him, and shares a complex relationship with Tammi.

A Black queer teenage girl in New York City who learns to embrace her vulnerability and kindness through new friendships, while dealing with the heartbreak of unrequited love.

A confident and empathetic Black teenage girl in New York City who helps Nella see her own worth, enhancing senior citizens' lives in her community.

A Black teenage boy in New York City struggling with his identity and passion, who finds solace and clarity through connecting with community members and exploring his true self.

A Black teenage boy in New York City dedicated to photography, who finds connection and courage in expressing his true self through a chance encounter at a masquerade ball.

A Jamaican teenage girl living in New York City, navigating personal relationships and friendships while exploring new opportunities and experiences.

A Black teenage boy in New York City who supports his family after personal loss and finds kinship and curiosity through connections with others.

A Black teenage girl in New York City with dreams of being a writer, who struggles to express her romantic feelings for her lifelong friend.

A Black teenage boy in New York City who is competitive and caring, deeply connected to his best friend Lana, with whom he shares a long-standing bond.

A Black teenage boy from Mississippi, who demonstrates maturity in his relationship with Kayla and supports her through a significant personal decision.

A Black teenage girl from Mississippi managing anxiety and societal expectations, striving to discover and pursue her own desires and independence.

A Black teenage boy from Mississippi who is frank and supportive, playing a key role in Kayla's exploration of her own dreams and potential.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL650L

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