Top YA Authors Collaborate for Exciting 2021 Book Release

Six top, powerhouse YA writers have announced an exciting new collaboration to be released in 2021. Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles), Tiffany D. Jackson (Grown), Nic Stone (Dear Martin), Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), Ashley Woodfolk (The Beauty that Remains), and Nicola Yoon (Everything, Everything) shared a (virtual) group photo with the caption ‘Lights Out’ which hinted at this new novel and got YA fiction fans fired up.

Regarding the collaboration, Angie Thomas tweeted, “Absolutely thrilled to announce that I’m writing a novel with some of my favorite people ever. Get ready for Blackout!”

The novel, entitled Blackout is made up of six interlinking stories, presumably one contribution from each writer, which all celebrate Black love. The novel is set in New York during a summer heatwave and a citywide power outage. The blackout which gives the novel its name, throws the residents into the darkness together, bringing up new romantic relationships, friendships and uncovering hidden truths.

“Blackout is our love letter to love, to New York City, and to Black teens,” Clayton says. “Our reminder to them that their stories, their joy, their love are valid and worthy of being spotlighted.”

Blackout will be published in the U.S. on June 22nd 2021 and it will be a ground-breaking novel not just because of the six-way collaboration but also because of its focus on Black Joy at a time when Black authors may feel pressure to write on more ‘headline’ topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality and racism.

Nic Stone said of the upcoming novel; “There is no fiercer form of rebellion than telling love stories about kids who are often told they’re unworthy of them at a time like the one we’re living in. Blackout was a balm to all of our souls while writing it, and we hope it’ll be equally as healing to readers.”