49 pages • 1 hour read
Jason ReynoldsThe Boy in the Black Suit
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds follows Matt Miller in his senior year as he navigates life after his mother's death and his father's hospitalization. Matt finds solace in working for Mr. Ray, a local funeral home director, and gains comfort from attending funerals. Meeting Love, who also experienced loss, helps Matt cope with his grief and find hope and strength in their connection. The novel addresses themes of grief, loss, and healing.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds excels in its emotional depth and relatable characters, particularly through the protagonist Matt's journey of grief and resilience. Critics praise Reynolds' authentic dialogue and portrayal of urban life. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable at times. Overall, it's a compelling and heartfelt read.
Who Should Read The Boy in the Black Suit?
Readers who would enjoy The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds are teens and young adults who appreciate heart-touching, realistic stories about grief, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything will find similar emotional depth and relatable characters.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
HL760LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Love / Sexuality
Grief / Death
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Relationships: Friendship
Life/Time: Coming of Age