the boy in the black suit

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds is a beautiful look at grief and the rituals of bereavement ... listening to Tupac's "Dear Mama" on repeat or sitting in the back pew at funeral services. Seeing others grieve can remind you that you're not alone.


From NPR Books:

One of the novel's memorable metaphors comes when Matt is discussing grief and disappointment with his mentor, Mr. Ray, who has seen his share of both. Life, says Mr. Ray, is like the kid's card game I Declare War: You flip cards, and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. What you can't do, he says, is plan ahead.

"I can lose and lose and lose and I don't know why. But there's nothing I can do but just keep flipping the cards. Eventually, I'll win again. As long as you got cards to keep turning, you're fine. Now, that's life."

The Boy in the Black Suit is a wonderful story of death and life... and how individually and differently... and, yet, similarly each person grieves. Young adult and middle grade readers will enjoy this book and reflect on the importance of community in times of deep sadness.

* Be sure to read the author's bio on the back cover flap. Jason Reynolds is crazy. About stories.