Blackout

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is beginning to navigate the thrilling, yet often confusing, world of first love and identity. It is an ideal choice for a teen who feels like they are waiting for their own story to begin or who needs to see that Black joy and romance are celebrated in all their forms. This collection of interconnected stories takes place during a single massive power outage in New York City, following several Black teens as they find unexpected connections in the dark. Through its pages, readers explore themes of self-confidence, loyalty, and the bravery it takes to be vulnerable. The stories are written by six of the biggest names in Young Adult literature, ensuring a high-quality, emotionally resonant experience. While it deals with the butterflies of new attraction, it remains focused on healthy relationship building and personal growth. It is a vibrant, hopeful, and modern celebration of youth that offers a perfect bridge for teens moving from middle grade into more mature contemporary fiction.