First published 2023
This anthology brings together eighteen Black authors who refuse to accept narrow definitions of geekdom. A teenage girl searches the skies for UFOs while grappling with her place in the world. A young man navigates the possibility of finding his Prince Charming. An aspiring performer auditions for The Sound of Music at her school, carrying dreams bigger than her stage. A girl discovers she possesses mysterious magical abilities she cannot yet control or comprehend. These characters and others populate stories that span multiple genres and time periods. The collection moves from contemporary settings to historical backdrops, from realistic drama to fantasy realms, from science fiction futures to magical present moments. Each story centers Black characters who embrace their passions, whether those involve technology, fantasy worlds, academic pursuits, or creative endeavors. The authors challenge stereotypes about who gets to be intellectual, curious, or obsessed with niche interests. Together, these narratives expand the boundaries of both Blackness and geek culture.
Genres: fiction, african-american, fantasy, contemporary, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: diverse-representation, found-family
336 pages · Hardcover · Philomel Books