Dickens & Rumi
Cover of BLACKOUT

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BLACKOUT

Dhonielle Clayton

A collection of interconnected stories of Black teen love. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because romance, kissing, identity, family tensions, and emotional vulnerability are central. Sexual content appears limited, but the reading level and themes are more adolescent than child-focused. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of NYC locations and general consumer products as part of the setting.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity appropriate for the YA genre.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

Features multiple LGBTQIA characters and romantic pairings.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic feelings and relationships are central to the teen characters and plotlines, including kissing and emotional exploration.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The setting of a city-wide blackout creates mild suspense, but it is not horror-themed.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild flirtation and references to romantic attraction.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor mentions of social situations where alcohol might be present.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor instances of conflict or physical mishaps typical of teen dramas.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show emotional bravery in being vulnerable and honest.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The interconnected anthology format encourages creative engagement with multiple perspectives.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

Strong representation of Black teenagers with varied backgrounds and identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into diverse lived experiences within the Black community in NYC.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, mutual care, and supportive communities are recurring elements across the connected stories.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The stories emphasize connection, self-acceptance, communication, community, and seeing people beyond assumptions.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate growth and accountability in their relationships.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in BLACKOUT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in BLACKOUT, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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