School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-A New York City blackout sets the stage for romance and self-realization in this compilation of intertwining stories by well-known Black YA authors: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon. Various friends and couples are on their way to a block party in Brooklyn when a blackout hits the city. Tammi is struggling as she and her ex-boyfriend Kareem arrive at an internship that they have each accepted, but there is only one spot. As they walk from Harlem to the party in Brooklyn, tales of their family and friends are interspersed as new relationships begin and others come to an end. Each story is told by a different writer, with Tammi and Kareem's story as the thread that binds them together. Hetero and queer couples are represented without "coming out" being the overall theme; the collection is ultimately about love and the journey to find it. Each of the authors is strong on their own, but together they are incredible. All characters are BIPOC. VERDICT A celebration of love in all its forms. A must-have for all young adult collections.-Ashley Leffel, Griffin M.S., Frisco, TX