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.

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.

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.

Emotional / Melancholic / Contemplative / Hopeful / Heartwarming

- The novel The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds was a 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor book, recognizing its contribution to African American children's literature.
- Jason Reynolds, the author of The Boy in the Black Suit, is also known for his work as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature from 2020 to 2021.
- The story, set in Brooklyn, highlights author Jason Reynolds' interest in showcasing urban environments and real-world challenges faced by contemporary youth.

**Matthew Miller (Matt)**  
A high school senior from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, navigating grief after his mother's death while living with his injured father and receiving support from his neighbor Mr. Ray. He works at a funeral home and goes through a personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

**Daisy Miller (Mom)**  
Matt's deceased mother, remembered for her cheerful and caring nature, who left a recipe booklet for Matt that reflects her love and personality. Her memory significantly impacts Matt's journey through grief.

**Jackson Miller (Dad)**  
Matt's father, who struggles with drinking following his wife's death and is hospitalized after an accident. His recovery and absence add complexity to Matt's grieving process.

**Mr. Willie Ray**  
A neighbor and funeral home owner who hires Matt and serves as a mentor and caretaker, sharing wisdom from his own experiences with loss and offering guidance to Matt.

**Love Brown (Lovey)**  
A senior girl who captivates Matt with her poise and empathy, influencing his journey through grief with her strength and kindness. She shares a meaningful connection with Matt, rooted in mutual understanding of loss.

**Chris Hayes**  
Matt's best friend, who offers steadfast support and normalcy after Matt's mother dies. He provides comic relief and critical insights that help Matt navigate personal challenges.

Jason Reynolds

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Boy in the Black Suit reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Boy in the Black Suit | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Boy in the Black Suit and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Boy in the Black Suit Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

The Boy in the Black Suit Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Boy in the Black Suit Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Boy in the Black Suit Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Boy in the Black Suit Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Boy in the Black Suit Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Boy in the Black Suit Essay Topics

Quiz

The Boy in the Black Suit Quiz

The Boy in the Black Suit

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Boy in the Black Suit?

Reading Age

Book Details