A Phoenix First Must Burn

In her introduction, Patrice Caldwell asks why black people don't exist in speculative worlds. Here, some of the foremost #ownvoices YA authors create strong black heroines in tales of "black culture, strength, beauty, bravery, resistance, magic, and hope." York Whitaker's fluid narrations showcase the versatility of stories with settings that range from contemporary America to the Caribbean and that feature diverse characters. For example, she shows the wit shining in Amerie's futuristic view of Brooklyn and in Justina Ireland's clever heroine, who outwits the oppressive sorcerer she serves. There's an intensity in Rebecca Roanhorse's powerful female characters in a story that takes place in the New Mexico territory in the 1880s and vibrancy in Elizabeth Acevedo's story of a girl born with healing magic. This magnificent collection embraces a range of racial, gender, and cultural issues. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine