Black Enough

Black Enough cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 3806
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
inspiring 4.50

Black Enough is a collection of 17 short stories by different authors, edited by Ibi Zoboi. The stories represent the diversity of the black community in the United States, covering themes like fitting in, self-discovery, love, heartbreak, wealth, and immigration. The book is praised for its relatable content and its ability to make young black people feel represented.

Black Enough is a collection of 17 captivating stories written by 17 different authors, edited by Ibi Zoboi. The stories represent the diversity of the black community in the United States, covering themes like the struggle to fit in, finding yourself, young love, heartbreak, wealth, and immigration. The book is praised for its relatable content and its ability to make young black people feel represented. One of the stories, 'Oreo' by Brandy Colbert, tells the story of Joni, a black girl who has always grown up around whites and feels like she doesn't fit in with her family. The reviewer, a young black girl from Portland, felt a strong connection to Joni's story and found that the book helped her realize that every black person is enough. The reviewer believes that Black Enough is important and should reach a wider audience to make other young black people feel represented.


Quick quotes

    As a young black girl who’s grown up in Portland, a city with a small black population, I immediately felt a strong connection to Joni’s story.

    Ever since first grade I’ve always been the only or one of the only black girls in my class.

    That is why “Black Enough” is so important and should reach a wider audience.

cardinaltimes.org · Unknown · 2020-02-21
great 4.00

Black Enough is an anthology featuring diverse stories by Black authors about Black teens navigating their identities. The collection is praised for its representation and emotional depth, though some stories are criticized for being rushed or overly complex.

Black Enough is an anthology that stands out for its diverse representation of Black teen experiences. The collection includes stories from well-known authors like Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone, as well as lesser-known voices. Each story explores different aspects of Black identity, from cultural appropriation to family dynamics and romantic relationships. The anthology is celebrated for its emotional depth and the variety of perspectives it offers. However, not all stories resonate equally; some are praised for their poignant narratives, while others are criticized for feeling rushed or overly complex. Overall, the anthology is a meaningful contribution to YA literature, offering a rich tapestry of Black experiences.


Quick quotes

    What are the cultural threads that connect Black people all over the world to Africa? How have we tried to maintain certain traditions as part of our identity? And as teenagers, do we even care? These are the questions I had in mind when inviting sixteen other Black authors to write about teens examining, rebelling against, embracing, or simply existing within their own idea of Blackness.

    A heartwarming but at times heartbreaking story about family and healing from the point of view of a seventeen-year-old girl working as a teen counselor.

    A Black boy feels out-of-place around his friends and the girl he likes because he doesn’t feel like he’s “Black Enough” since he doesn’t adhere to black stereotypes.

stasreskons.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2019-01-18
insightful 3.50

Black Enough is an anthology that delves into the diverse experiences of young Black individuals in America. The stories range from touching family dynamics to struggles with identity and societal expectations, offering a rich tapestry of Black voices.

Black Enough is a compelling anthology that showcases the varied experiences of young Black individuals across different backgrounds. The stories within the collection tackle a wide range of themes, from family dynamics and identity struggles to societal expectations and personal growth. Each story offers a unique perspective, making the anthology a rich tapestry of Black voices. The reviewer particularly appreciated the depth and diversity of the narratives, highlighting how each story contributes to a broader understanding of the Black experience. While some stories were more impactful than others, the overall collection is a valuable addition to the literary landscape, providing insightful and thought-provoking readings.


Quick quotes

    They loved how this story discusses family, arguing that there is no such thing as being half related.

    The best part of this story is Varian Johnson’s use of code-switching.

    This story is a bit underwhelming, but inspiring near the end.