65 pages • 2 hours read
Ibi ZoboiBlack Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
Fiction | Anthology/Varied Collection | YA | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
BetaSummary
Background
“Half a Moon” by Renée Watson
“Black Enough” by Varian Johnson
“Warning: Color May Fade” by Leah Henderson
“Black. Nerd. Problems.” by Lamar Giles
“Out of the Silence” by Kekla Magoon
“The Ingredients” by Jason Reynolds
“Oreo” by Brandy Colbert
“Samson and the Delilahs” by Tochi Onyebuchi
“Stop Playing” by Liara Tamani
“Wild Horses, Wild Hearts” by Jay Coles
“Whoa!” by Rita Williams-Garcia
“Gravity” by Tracey Baptiste
“The Trouble With Drowning” by Dhonielle Clayton
“Kissing Sarah Smart” by Justina Ireland
“Hackathon Summers” by Coe Booth
“Into the Starlight” by Nic Stone
“The (R)evolution of Nigeria Jones” by Ibi Zoboi
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
BetaBefore You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Black Enough?
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.