Blackout by Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0063088096
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Six interconnected short stories take place in New York City during a blackout. While the characters have to make adjustments as the city grinds to a halt, they discover that the people who live there come alive in new ways. A young adult novel that is well-written and would be enjoyed by teens who appreciate romance and human connection, this book focuses carefully on the perspectives of black adolescents. 

Readers will notice characters changing their perceptions of themselves and others throughout each short story, with the ultimate goal being to make or strengthen some kind of relationship connection. Themes include learning to love yourself, feeling comfortable with being gay, feeling okay with being alone and not in a romantic relationship, navigating changing friendships, and letting go of the past to focus on the present. 

One unique feature of this book is that one of the stories is broken up into chapters that are wedged between the other stories. This longer story helps to weave everything together, and makes for an interesting reader experience. 

Recommended for readers 13-18.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta