A compilation of vibrant entries spanning multiple genres.The 18 stories from Black authors such as Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Kwame Mbalia, and Tochi Onyebuchi focus on Black teenagers who are trying to affirm their humanity and figure out their places in the world-and, occasionally, beyond. Themes, including familial reconciliation, friendship, and identity, are embedded in many of the stories, threading the book together seamlessly. In Ibi Zoboi's "Earth Is Ghetto," Ingrid, a Haitian American teenager far from her hometown, often feels "like an abandoned building" that "everyone knew was there, but no one cared about how it got to be so broken in the first place." In an effort to collude with aliens on a mission to populate their planet with humans, the astute teen, an ardent fan of Octavia Butler, learns this task is far more complicated than she imagined. In the adventurous "Drive Time" by Lamar Giles, Annalise and Theo are just trying to learn how to drive but instead end up on a winding, high-energy excursion. The point of view seesaws between the two main characters, providing a humorous balance throughout the warmhearted story. This energetic compilation of narratives is a beautiful tribute to and for young people who often find themselves on the margins of their social settings. The characters find refuge in meaningful friendships, family relationships, and an entire universe that contains their many multitudes.A fearless and satisfying collection of expansive stories. (contributor bios) (Anthology. 12-18)

This fandom-focused, genre-spanning anthology edited by Strong (Eden’s Everdark) is a love letter to geek culture, populated by Black teens who are unafraid to indulge in their interests, whether anime, cosplay, or LARPing, among others. In Amanda Joy’s “The Panel Shows the Girl,” a queer high schooler battles extreme loneliness until her anime drawings literally come to life. Roseanne A. Brown’s “Wolf Tracks” follows Daniel Martins, who must contend with a family curse that turns him into a wolf—“claws, fangs, the whole nine yards”—upon falling in love. And in “The Hero’s Journey” by Tochi Onyebuchi, a boy who uses his writing to sort through his own feelings struggles with a bout of writer’s block. Featuring 18 authors, including Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Kwame Mbalia, and Ibi Zoboi, these stories—several of which are open-ended, hinting at larger worlds—proudly foreground geek culture. Utilizing varying literary genres including fairy tales, fantasy, realistic contemporary, and science fiction, the creators deftly interrogate issues of racism, homophobia and transphobia, and intimate partner violence, and depict everyday joys and pains of varied Black experiences. Ages 12–up. (Jan.)

Gr 7–10 —With the lineup of popular Black authors that Strong assembled to write Black characters in the geekdom for teens—among them Roseanne A. Brown, Julian Brown, and Ibi Zoboi—it wasn't going to be hard to see the personally geeky sides of the authors themselves revealed in their fictionalized characters. Each story uses a corner of the nerdy world for characters to interact, be it outside a comic convention, playing word games online, invited into an inner circle as a protector of a book to keep a magical being at bay, or as a theater kid. This collection set out to bring all types together. But it also provides a range of genres for readers to enjoy. The success of being multi-genre while appealing to the awkward kids is evident in the adventures within each story, moving seamlessly from magic to reality whether the character is trans or into the solar system. Reading it feels like a mystery box where every story is the most coveted prize. Each story had room to expand because the short stories were not just several pages but a dozen pages or more. To cut them shorter would have been a disservice. The energy that each story brought matched the others. The evenness of each wasn't about being duplicative but instead complementary. Three standouts that showcase the variety offered in the collection are "The Book Club" by Shari B. Pennant, "Corner Booth" by Leah Johnson, and "Honor Code" by Kwame Mbalia. All main characters are Black. VERDICT All told, the collection is strong for several reasons and a necessary purchase for teen anthologies in the library.—Alicia Abdul