Cool. Awkward. Black.

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Cool. Awkward. Black.
Author(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
January 10, 2023
ISBN
978-0593525098
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Real or imaginary, geekdom is where it's at in this multi-genre YA anthology that celebrates "the geek," with stories by some of today's top bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors.

Contributors include Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

A girl who believes in UFOs; a boy who might have finally found his Prince Charming; a hopeful performer who dreams of being cast in her school’s production of The Sound of Music; a misunderstood magician of sorts with a power she doesn’t quite understand.

These plotlines and many more compose the eclectic stories found within the pages of this dynamic, exciting, and expansive collection featuring exclusively Black characters. From contemporary to historical, fantasy to sci-fi, magical to realistic, and with contributions from a powerhouse list of self-proclaimed geeks and bestselling, award-winning authors, this life-affirming anthology celebrates and redefines the many facets of Blackness and geekiness—both in the real world and those imagined.

Editor review

1 review
Cool. Awkward. Black.
Overall rating
 
4.0
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
What worked: Great collection of short stories with Black protagonists that range from modern-day to historical. There's something for everyone in this fun anthology.

Here's a glimpse of a few of the stories:

Drive Time by Lamar Giles where two teens venture out to use a Groupon coupon for driver's training only to find it's much more than they expected. A very humourous ride!

Earth is Ghetto by Ibi Zoboi which has a huge twist on the whole who are aliens.

Nina Evans, In the Round by Kalynn Bayron. A talented student longs to be the lead in The Sound of Music despite the odds against her and how she in the end triumphs.

Other stories include ones with cosplay; a magical book club; sweet romance; superpowers; and geekiness. One huge plus is how this collection looks beyond the trite stereotypes and celebrates what's unique in each person.

Perfect for readers who love short tales and those who love ones that include diversity.
Good Points
1. Great collection of short stories
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