The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds follows Matt Miller in his senior year as he navigates life after his mother's death and his father's hospitalization. Matt finds solace in working for Mr. Ray, a local funeral home director, and gains comfort from attending funerals. Meeting Love, who also experienced loss, helps Matt cope with his grief and find hope and strength in their connection. The novel addresses themes of grief, loss, and healing.

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds excels in its emotional depth and relatable characters, particularly through the protagonist Matt's journey of grief and resilience. Critics praise Reynolds' authentic dialogue and portrayal of urban life. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable at times. Overall, it's a compelling and heartfelt read.

Readers who would enjoy The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds are teens and young adults who appreciate heart-touching, realistic stories about grief, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything will find similar emotional depth and relatable characters.

Emotional / Melancholic / Contemplative / Hopeful / Heartwarming

Jason Reynolds

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Boy in the Black Suit 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.

The Boy in the Black Suit Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Boy in the Black Suit Character Analysis

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Themes

The Boy in the Black Suit Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Boy in the Black Suit Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Boy in the Black Suit Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Boy in the Black Suit Essay Topics

Quiz

The Boy in the Black Suit Quiz

The Boy in the Black Suit

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Boy in the Black Suit?

Reading Age

Book Details