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

Ibi Zoboi

Anthology/Varied Collection

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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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

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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

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Black Enough?

Reading Age

Book Details