Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia

Black Boy Joy is a collection of stories that shows young black children experiencing black culture and life. Seventeen authors provide stories, various literary devices, and subjects, which include poetry, fantasy LGBTQ representation, a graphic novel, science fiction, and the joy of growing up in black culture. One of the most memorable stories is that of the author and editor Kwame Mbalia called The Griot of Gover Street, which tells the story of Fortitude, also known as Fort, who is dealing with the loss of his aunt and learns to come to terms with the loss by learning to spread joy through the help of a traveler named Gary the Griot. Another story by Julian Winters called The Lawrence Cobbler is about a seventh grader named Jevon who is getting ready for a baking competition and has come out as gay to his family. Soon, Von comes to terms with his sexuality, gains acceptance by those around him, and develops a crush on one of his baking competitors. Many other stories are just as random and heartwarming as this one, while "some are "humorous, some poignant, but all are compelling." ("An anthology spotlights," 2021)

Critical Analysis

The plots within Black Boy Joy are an easy read for children between the ages of 11 and older. Themes include grief, loss, sexuality, identity, joy, and family. There are various cultural details for black culture like language, names, societal issues like poverty, community, family support, gospel music, rap, hip hop artists, jazz, and black lives matter. The graphic novel illustrated by Jerry Craft contains an array of drawings contrasted with only the color black that show individuals expressing joy to other individuals and within themselves through dance, peer support, and parental love. All the authors of these stories are African American, and many have won numerous distinguished awards, like Varian Johnson, who won the Coretta Scott King Award, and Christina Orlando, who won the New England Book Award for Fiction for Riot Baby. Equally, many of these authors are part of the LGBTQ community. Readers may enjoy Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford, a story with a similar theme involving the black experience.

References

"An anthology spotlights". (2021, August 3). Black boy joy. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved July 30, 2022, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kwame-mbalia/black-boy-joy/

Mbalia, K. (Ed.). (2021). Black Boy Joy. Delacorte Press.