Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi is praised for its rich, diverse portrayals of Black teen experiences in America. Reviewers celebrate its authentic voices and relatable narratives. While some find the anthology's thematic range uneven, the majority appreciate its emotional depth and resonance. Overall, it's a compelling, insightful read that sparks meaningful conversations.

Readers who would enjoy Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi are typically young adults and teens interested in contemporary, diverse narratives about the Black experience in America. Similar to fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Dear Martin by Nic Stone, they appreciate stories exploring identity, culture, and coming of age.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America, edited by Ibi Zoboi, is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of young Black people navigating the struggles with belonging—within both the idea of Blackness and the world around them. These characters encounter pressures from family, culture, their sexualities, dreams, and desires, while trying to fit in and make sense of their identities. These stories include mentions of racism, anti-gay bias, sexual assault, mental health issues, and suicide.

Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Hopeful

- Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America is a collection of short stories edited by Ibi Zoboi, showcasing the diverse experiences of Black teens across America.
- The anthology features a star-studded lineup of authors including Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, and Dhonielle Clayton, each bringing their unique narrative voice to the stories.
- Ibi Zoboi, the editor of Black Enough, has received numerous accolades for her work, including a National Book Award finalist nomination for her debut novel American Street.

**Raven**  
A seventeen-year-old who works as a camp counselor and navigates complex family dynamics, especially in regard to feelings about her father's other daughter.

**Cam**  
A Black teenager from Austin who spends summers with his extended family in South Carolina and grapples with issues of identity and fitting in.

**Nivia**  
A seventeen-year-old legacy student at Caswell Prep who wishes to pursue art instead of following in her family's footsteps in law and politics.

**Dez**  
A young girl who plays in a metal band and influences her neighbor, highlighting differences in their lifestyles and beliefs.

**Tank**  
A Black teenager in New Salem who finds comfort in his horse and deals with societal and familial expectations while exploring his identity.

**Devon**  
A recent high school graduate planning to study sociology who must navigate her relationship with her father and her own identity.

**Kamari**  
The tall and athletic antagonist in Mak's story who challenges preconceived notions through his actions and character.

Ibi Zoboi

Anthology/Varied Collection

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Black Enough reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Black Enough | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Black Enough and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Black Enough Summary and Study Guide

Background

Black Enough Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Story Summaries & Analyses

“Half a Moon” by Renée Watson

Black Enough “Half a Moon” by Renée Watson Summary & Analysis

“Black Enough” by Varian Johnson

Black Enough “Black Enough” by Varian Johnson Summary & Analysis

“Warning: Color May Fade” by Leah Henderson

Black Enough “Warning: Color May Fade” by Leah Henderson Summary & Analysis

“Black. Nerd. Problems.” by Lamar Giles

Black Enough “Black. Nerd. Problems.” by Lamar Giles Summary & Analysis

“Out of the Silence” by Kekla Magoon

Black Enough “Out of the Silence” by Kekla Magoon Summary & Analysis

“The Ingredients” by Jason Reynolds

Black Enough “The Ingredients” by Jason Reynolds Summary & Analysis

“Oreo” by Brandy Colbert

Black Enough “Oreo” by Brandy Colbert Summary & Analysis

“Samson and the Delilahs” by Tochi Onyebuchi

Black Enough “Samson and the Delilahs” by Tochi Onyebuchi Summary & Analysis

“Stop Playing” by Liara Tamani

Black Enough “Stop Playing” by Liara Tamani Summary & Analysis

“Wild Horses, Wild Hearts” by Jay Coles

Black Enough “Wild Horses, Wild Hearts” by Jay Coles Summary & Analysis

“Whoa!” by Rita Williams-Garcia

Black Enough “Whoa!” by Rita Williams-Garcia Summary & Analysis

“Gravity” by Tracey Baptiste

Black Enough “Gravity” by Tracey Baptiste Summary & Analysis

“The Trouble With Drowning” by Dhonielle Clayton

Black Enough “The Trouble With Drowning” by Dhonielle Clayton Summary & Analysis

“Kissing Sarah Smart” by Justina Ireland

Black Enough “Kissing Sarah Smart” by Justina Ireland Summary & Analysis

“Hackathon Summers” by Coe Booth

Black Enough “Hackathon Summers” by Coe Booth Summary & Analysis

“Into the Starlight” by Nic Stone

Black Enough “Into the Starlight” by Nic Stone Summary & Analysis

“The (R)evolution of Nigeria Jones” by Ibi Zoboi

Black Enough “The (R)evolution of Nigeria Jones” by Ibi Zoboi Summary & Analysis

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Black Enough?

Reading Age

Book Details