Sixteen stories by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the Black experience through fantasy, science fiction, and magic—coming together in one stunning narrative of hope.
“Fulfills its promise of celebrating Black girl protagonists . . . an enormously electric and entertaining collection.”—Locus
“As interrogative as Octavia E. Butler, as fierce as Beyoncé, as thoughtful as Phillis Wheatley, [and] as revolutionary as Ida B. Wells.”—Tor
“Delightfully queer . . . as diverse as the Black experience.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Bestselling, award-winning, and talented fresh voices weave together past, present, and future worlds in tales of love, betrayal, strength, and resistance. Together, these stories chronicle the Black experience, centering Black women and gender-nonconforming individuals through folktales, futuristic societies, and everything in between. Witches and scientists, sisters and lovers, priestesses and rebels: the heroes of
A Phoenix First Must Burn shine brightly. You will never forget them.
Authors Include: Amerie, Elizabeth Acevedo, Rebecca Roanhorse, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Somaiya Daud, Justina Ireland, L.L. McKinney, Dhonielle Clayton, Patrice Caldwell Danny Lore, Ibi Zoboi, Danielle Paige, Ashley Woodfolk, Charlotte Nicole Davis, Karen Strong, and J. Marcelle Corrie
On sale: March 10, 2020
Age: 12 and up
Grade: Grade 7 & Up
Page count: 368 Pages
ISBN: 9781984835659
Patrice Caldwell is a graduate of Wellesley College and the founder and fund-raising chair of People of Color in Publishing—a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and uplifting racially and ethnically marginalized members of the book publishing industry. Born and raised in Texas, Patrice was a children's book editor before shifting to writing full-time. She currently lives in New York City in an apartment overflowing with tea and books and is obsessed with purple lipstick.
“Fulfills its promise of celebrating Black girl protagonists . . . an enormously electric and entertaining collection.”
—Locus
“As interrogative as Octavia E. Butler, as fierce as Beyoncé, as thoughtful as Phillis Wheatley, [and] as revolutionary as Ida B. Wells.”—
Tor
“Lovers of Octavia Butler will find her spirit in this smoldering anthology . . . These stories [explore] the beauty, bravery, fear, history, and empowerment of being black. Fiercely fantastical and achingly honest, this book delivers a more inclusive means of self-discovery.”—
Publishers Weekly, starred review“Sixteen own voices authors offer up fantasy and science fiction short stories centering black girls . . . All these well-spun tales are enjoyable and accessible to readers of any background. Magical and real, this collection lives up to its goal with stories as diverse as the black experience.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Featuring an array of well-known and breakout #OwnVoices authors, this volume boasts ample variety in style, voice, and approach that ensures readers will find at least one story to enjoy (though likely many more) . . . Readers will appreciate the wide representation of the African diaspora and will also take note of the multiplicities of lived experiences, cultures, and gendered and sexual expression. That the stories center Black girlhood creates layers of depth in these racialized and gendered experiences alongside the joys and trivialities of stories often missing from the mainstream. Luminous reading.”—
Booklist, starred review“Each story is satisfying to read by itself, yet more powerful when read together as there is an evenness in the narratives which is not frequently found in most short story collections. Like the best short stories, each jumps right into the action and character growth is demonstrated quickly. There are twists and turns aplenty to be found between the covers of this book. This is an outstanding collection, with an evenness to its stories, unique characters, and a wide range of tales.”
—School Library Connection, starred review
