The Unboxing of a Black Girl

by Angela Shanté

Finalist, 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature

Finalist, 2025 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award

The Children's Book Review, Best Kids Nonfiction Books of 2024

The Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2024, Teens Nonfiction

School Library Journal (SLJ), Best Poetry Books of 2024

"Shanté adeptly addresses racism, implicit bias, gender, sexuality, sexual violence, and mental health, encouraging readers to care for themselves, think, research, and act. VERDICT Strongly recommended for all young adult collections."
--SLJ, starred review

"[A]n intoxicating and lyrical celebration of the complexities of being a young Black woman in America."
--National Book Foundation

"By weaving her personal experiences with reflections and observations, the author provides a rich tapestry of perspectives on Black girlhood. [...] A highly creative way of providing insightful social commentary."
--Kirkus Reviews

Written as a collection of vignettes and poetry, The Unboxing of a Black Girl is a creative nonfiction reflection on Black girlhood. The debut YA title, by award-winning author Angela Shanté, is a love letter to Black girls set in New York City and serves as a personal and political critique of how the world raises Black girls.

As Shanté navigates the city through memory, she balances poetry with vignettes that explore the innocence and joy of childhood eroded by adultification. Through this book, she illuminates the places where Black girls are nurtured or exploited in stories and poems about personal and political boxes, love, loss, and sexual assault. Many entries are also studded with cultural footnotes designed to further understanding.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Race, African American, Novel In Verse

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

Angela Shanté is a former K-12 classroom teacher, and award-winning author of THE NOISY CLASSROOM, a picture book that she wrote about her third-grade classroom to help soothe childhood anxiety associated with school and change. The second book in the series, THE NOISY CLASSROOM GOES TO THE MUSEUM pubs MAY 2023.

With almost 20 years of experience in education and advocacy work, Angela is focused on using her voice and platform to support, highlight, and make space for marginalized creatives in the arts and in education. In addition to her creative work, Angela works as an educational/DEI consultant supporting creative, educational, and culturally relevant projects, training, and workshops for students, adults, and organizations.

Her debut YA title THE UNBOXING OF A BLACK GIRL comes out in 2024.

Reviews

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairly enjoyed all the poems! It actually felt rather familiar. As if this work spoke into my childhood! Beautifully and Warmly Relatable!

[Jennifer Medeiros · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unboxing of a Black Girl is a collection of vignettes and poetry is a beautiful reminder of the complexity of life and the abundant will of the human spirit to dance in the rain. It is a love letter to Black girls and a statement on the ways adultification of Black children limits their ability to soak in the carefree joy that is supposed to be childhood. Through it all, however, Shanté finds ways to appreciate the fullness of being Black in New York City and to defy the boxes that are built for us by the powers that be.

“…but the thing about comfort is growth happens right outside of it. Where can she be free?”
Shanté brings all of the pieces of herself into her poems in a way that creates space and vulnerability for others to explore their own experiences and revel in their own joys. Peppered throughout are suggestions for a playlist of movies and music as well as must reads that shaped her unboxing and, she hopes, will provide guidance for young people who follow.
Angela Shanté’s poems dance and soar and bear witness to the myriad lenses through which we experience life. Everyone should read it and, perhaps, find themselves a little more free.

Many thanks to Angela Shanté, Page Street Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Mysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to write more.

I found myself
fully engulfed in her story,
relating to
her truth,
feeling seen holistically.

I found myself
reimagining the things I love.
school,
music,
The Wiz...
the way I love shows the world tells me I shouldn't love no more.

I thought more about
how poetry has always been in me.
has always been how I write
How it's always been how I live.

I thought Angela came into my room,
came into my heart.
She said
to me
welcome home.

[Bethany Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the prose of this one. I wanted more!

[Anne (Not of Green Gables) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If given the option, I strongly recommend the audiobook of this collection. Hearing the author speak her words is a truly powerful experience.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book perfectly encapsulates my experience as a black female and is a new favorite of mine. I hated to see the book end. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Cozy Beauty Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in verse and poetry, making it a unique and engaging read. I truly enjoyed personal experiences growing up in the Bronx, reflecting on her childhood while also exploring the expectations society places on Black women—how we are told to act, the roles we are assigned, and the boxes others put us in based on gender and race. She examines how Black women are often labeled as “strong” and expected to carry immense responsibilities—fighting for our children, education, family, home, and ensuring everything stays intact.

I deeply resonated with this book because, as a Black woman, I saw my own experiences reflected in the author's words. Everything she discusses feels authentic, and it was refreshing to read from someone who shares similar views.

The writing is beautifully done, and I appreciated that the author included notes at the end of each verse for easy understanding and classification. Overall, this was a stunning, insightful read. If you love poetry and want a different perspective on some of the shared experiences of Black women, I highly recommend it.

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as audiobook.

[J. Robinson-Readersgottoread]

This was full of black girl tears, fears, hope, and joy. i listened to the audiobook on Libby.
I do not rate memoirs.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Page Street Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was a lovely collection of prose and poetry that shared the life of a black girl in the Bronx, NYC. The tone of these are loving, caring and appreciation of a life that can be overlooked, one of assumptions made, and a struggle everyday. Yet, the collection is filled with love for family and friends, sharing what it is to be in her skin and the uglier side of society and humans in general. One thing that really stood out is that she says blacks are not a monolith. Many POC groups are seen as monoliths and I've just never heard this said so plainly for blacks. This is a quick read, page turning read and I still love the eye-catching cover for this book.

[Allison Beaufort · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend was the editor of this book, which was nominated as a finalist in the 2024 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, and I made sure I picked it up! It was not what I was expecting, in that I had anticipated it was a prose-oriented memoir, but the collection of poems and tidbits of narrative chalk full of cultural references and pointed notes from the author was a great read.

Incidentally, I am not a Black woman and this collection was not written for me, but there were still so many parts of this that hit me squarely in the chest. Grateful to everyone who worked together to make sure that this collection can exist for those who need it most!

[Joanne]

This is an unflinching exploration of identity, resilience, and self-discovery told through the raw and rhythmic medium of verse and short prose. The author strips away layers of experience and inherited pain to reveal the complexities of growing up as a Black girl in a world that often tries to box her in. The poems mirror the very process of unboxing—an exploration of these aspects which been hidden or suppressed.

I listened to this on audiobook as delivered by the poet herself, which made it very personal. This is also very short, at just about an hour’s listen.

[Hannah Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can tell that Shante is an educator through her excellent use of footnotes. I frequently say this, but this book would be great in a Women and Gender Studies or Africana Womanisms class, especially since it comes with recommended readings. The poetry is raw and poignant. This book feels like it may be the first in a series of healing poetry books for Shante and other black women.

Thank you to Angela Shante and LibraryThing for the gifted copy!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tells her coming of age story through poetry, in a beautiful way that is deep and real. I’m not qualified to judge poetry but I did think it was very well done in the structure and pace of the book. So glad I saw this recommended by the Seattle Public Library!

The author reading it herself for the audiobook was terrific also.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book, but wow oh wow. We are so lucky to have these words

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did it take me so long to pick this up and read it?
Such power.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning.

[Raaven💖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poetry was beautiful and uplifting. The author talks about her own experiences growing up in the Bronx and how it shaped her childhood and adult life. The themes of family, love, trauma, and community are so well written. I was fully invested in her story.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just.....wow! This is a must read!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend the audio. I think the author's voice is a crucial component of enjoying this one.

[Katie Hutchison Irion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful. I listened to it but intend to get a hardcopy so I can really soak up her words/

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed every bit of this. The title, the cover, the poems, even the footnotes. This collection shows that as Black girls we don’t have to be family or live in the same neighborhood to share the same experience. Many of these poems/spoken word pieces are straight from the pages of my life.

@nazbookclub recommended an immersive read which I loved & might be my new favorite way to enjoy poetry. Some of the footnotes encourage the reader to say the poems aloud. I think every Black girl and Black woman could take something from this collection. I love the way she confronts the ways society forces Black girls to grow up too soon and encourages young Black girls to step out of the boxes that have been pre chosen for them.

“Angela Shante navigates her childhood growing up in New York City. Using cultural footnotes, references, and personal memories to navigate joy, trauma, and self-realization, she explores themes of identity, racism, misogynoir, and the societal "boxes" placed on Black girls. The Unboxing Of A Black Girl serves as a personal and political critique of how the world raises Black girls.” Highly recommend!

[Adrienne Adrimano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this brief, beautiful poetic memoir.

I would recommend this and Every Body Looking for young black girls at the cusp of adulthood.

[Shan Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite March read 🩷

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[Petique M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Unboxing of a Black Girl in my professor’s nonfiction Wakelet under the nonfiction award section. It is a 2024 finalist for the Excellence Young Adult Nonfiction. This honor is bestowed upon books designated for young adults from the ages of 12-18. The book was also named a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best for Teens, an ALA 2025 Rise: A Feminist Book Project Top Ten Book, and a School Library Journal (SLJ) Best Book of 2024. It was also a Bank Street 2025 Best Children's Books of the Year Selection.

The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shante is a nonfiction autobiography of the author’s life in New York City. The book is written in verse as the author explores what life in the 90's meant for her as a Black Girl, but for other Black Girls too. Her poems explore the societal ideas and pressures of placing Black Girls and women in boxes. Through her verse, Shante tackles topics of identify, sexual assault, discrimination, societal expectations, joy, and coming of age, and the realization that for Black Girls in America, life is different.

Although the book uses poetic language, it still represents nonfiction because it tackles real world issues that are authentic for us readers. Nothing is imaginative or make believe

I listened to the Spotify audio version because I could not get my hands on the actual hardcover book from my library. But after listening to the book, I am not going to borrow it from my library, I am going to purchase it. The Spotify audio version was read by the author herself which allowed me to hear the authentic way the book needed to sound. The tone in which she used and the pacing allowed me to comprehend the text better. Honestly, it's one of those books that I had to close my eyes and listen to and pause at points to internally reflect on what Ms. Shante had just told me. I highly recommend the Spotify version for those who want to listen to the book or any version that has the author herself reading it.

I would recommend this book for high school students because of the mature themes that I don’t think younger students would be ready to discuss and analyze. This is not to say that these things (mature themes)do not happen to younger students. But for the purpose of dissecting this text, I again recommend it for high school students. Teachers can use The Unboxing of a Black Girl to explore identity, societal expectations, gender biases, and what it really means when society boxes Black Girls or Black Boys as well as what unboxing means. Teachers can have students write personal reflections in poems or essays about identity, culture, and growing up with expectations that have been placed on them.

[Rodrick Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shante one major lesson and takeaway that the reader can expect to have as they walk away from the book is the notion that it is totally possible to be the individual you are made to be and not be a living example of the perspectives and prejudices of others. In terms of the main character, the narrator is a stand in or representative of all the Black girls and women this book was written for as a main audience. The book systematically attacks major themes that harm the true image of Black girls and women. Some of the themes covered in the book include racism, sexism, colorism, the "angry Black woman" stereotype and more. For those who may have only heard the term colorism, the book does go into what this is and exposes a racism that exists within subgroups of the African American community. Its really quite interesting to know all of the work that Black Americans have done to fight against racism and prejudice, but to learn that lighter skinned Black women and Darker skinned Black women have a wedge between them in many people's experiences in the Black community. The quest for identity goes far beyond the status quo of stereotypes that plague their very image. What hit hardest for me was the author's audacity to address the standards of beauty Black females deal with everyday; the pressure to conform to the Eurocentric standards of beauty.

After reading some of this book I remembered a book I once read entitled, Genesis Begins Again, and like the text by Angela Shante, both share very similar themes about Blackness, and Black womanhood. I appreciated the aesthetic beauty of the book. There are parts of the book that switches from narrative to poetry and they are all married together into one big beauty written piece of art. The book is very intimate with its details and the narrator reveals the Black female experience in many different ways that are so feminine and beautiful. Angela Shante has some Sojourner Truth elements in her poetry as well. She wrote a poem in the novel on page 34 of the book called "Strong Black Woman Trope," and if I had to guess, I'm pretty sure to bet that "Ain't I a Woman" by Sojourner Truth had inspired this poem or at least some of them in the book. Also a masculine perspective would even consider maybe Tupac Shakur could have been an influence on this novel in this same poem. There fore allusions to Tupac Shakur's "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" when in this poem she states, "We grow. through despair, like roses from concrete" (Shante, 2024). The poems are definitely strengths, pillars of powerful art that lift this book all the way up.

[Zoey Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection for 2 main reasons:

1) Because this is written by a black girl unpacking her experiences growing up as a black girl, this collection of poetry was very relatable. I did feel a few times like this was poetry written for the white gaze --that is to say, written in a way that explains blackness for those who aren't black -- however, I think that has to do with the target audience being young adults. As such, I think this book is a must-read for black girls. Shante did say that she wrote the book she would've wanted to read as a young adult and I'd say she accomplished that. Despite my minor critique, this collection reminded me of my coming-of-age as a black girl and struggling to come to terms with what that meant.

2) I really liked the organization of this collection. The poetry isn't trying to be super complex or anything like that, it's to the point which aids in young black girls being able to see themselves in Shante and take in the lessons she learned growing up. There's the table of contents split into 4 parts and those parts are broken into questions that relate to the part's themes. As you read through the parts, there's another table of contents for each one that divides the poems under the questions that will be addressed. It kept me focused as a reader and allowed for more engagement as I considered the questions Shante explores and how the poetry speaks to them. I also appreciated the footnotes; many of them named what was being referenced and encouraged readers to go check them out for added context. At the end, Shante also lists further questions for readers to consider, her research/references, her inspiration, and a number of resources to look to for help/support.

Overall, I think this was very well-thought out and something readers can witness Shante process her past and heal from it as she wrote. Definitely a must-read for black girls.

[Dre · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Unboxing of a Black Girl" by Angela Shanté is a beautiful, and sometimes heavy, account of a black girl's coming-of-age. The author delicately shares her life unfolding through her experiences, teachings from others, and her unique view of the world around her.

Reading about how black girls get forced into boxes just by existing was an affirming experience. In many instances, I found myself relating to so much of what she shared. Some of the poems even felt as though she wrote them just for me. Those Alanis Morrisette and Fefe Dobson references were just too specific! Any young girl enjoying something perceived to be outside of her "culture" or "box" will know what I mean when they read this.

I was also captivated by the ways in which the author shed those proverbial boxes. Black girls are not a monolith, but society tends to sees us as such. And though we are often forced to assimilate, with the threat of being overlooked or ostracized, we find our way out of those boxes. Angela Shanté illustrates this so gracefully with her words.

Another thing that stood out to me in the reading was the footnotes accompanying the poems. If there is something the author speaks of that one is unfamiliar with, she went the extra mile to make readers familiar outside of the margins. That's not something I see a lot, but I did appreciate that.

The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté is truly a gem. It's an ode to the black girls finding their way out of the boxes they've been placed in their whole lives. Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

4.5 Stars

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do I describe such an extraordinary book as Angela Shante, “The Unboxing of a Black Girl?”

It is a Finalist for the 2024-National Book Award for Young Peoples Literature.

“The Unboxing of a Black Girl?” is a powerful, poignant memoir of a young black girl growing up in New York City in the 1990s with family in Brooklyn and in the Bronx. For years, Shante has written and preserved the poems and stories of her feelings, her reactions to growing up with a strong, independent, education minded, single mother, with a slightly older sister, and a much younger cherished brother. She listened to and internalized all the Talks that dictate how a young black girl, but different Talks for black boys, must behave in every situation. She dives deep into her own memories, celebrating family, love, loss, games and stories, the places were black girls are nurtured or boxed in. She expresses similar reactions to being “boxed in“ and “boxed out .” She shares painfully memories of the sexual assault she hid from her mother, her feelings about being touched- hair, skin, without being asked permission, of feeling “on display” and as a “token” black in a white world in Fresh Air fund camps and home stays, of learning vocabulary, finding community, looking for and finding support and safety if needed- from other Black women. 0f Being to be able to live free.
Along with her expressive, poetry and stories, Angela Shante encourages us to read the poetry aloud, listen to songs, watch movies, seek out help agencies, all provided in the footnotes that enrich almost every page. She includes extensive information on references, research, music to listen to, Books and authors to read, Movies and TV shows to watch and resources to find help at the end of the book.
This book is an eye-opener, a heart-warming and heart-breaking introduction to the experience of a Black Girl, finding her place, her JOY, her self in a world trying to box her in, make her invisible, unneeded, irrelevant. But she shows us her Outside the box, her world of hope, education, writing, opportunities and her SELF.