The Boy in the Black Suit

Matt wears a black suit every day. No, not because his mum died—although she did, and it sucks. But he wears the suit for his gig at the local funeral home, which pays way better than the Cluck Bucket, and he needs the income since his dad can't handle the bills (or anything, really) on his own. So while Dad's snagging bottles of whisky, Matt's snagging fifteen quid an hour. Not bad. But everything else? Not good.

Then Matt meets Lovey. Crazy name, and she's been through more crazy stuff than he can imagine. Yet Lovey never cries. She's tough. Really tough. Tough in the way Matt wishes he could be. Which is maybe why he's drawn to her, and definitely why he can't seem to shake her.

Because there's nothing more hopeful than finding a person who understands your loneliness—and who can maybe even help take it away.

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds is a moving narrative that explores themes of grief, resilience, and the unexpected connections that bring people together at the most difficult times.