Summary

Author and narrator Jo-Issa Rae Diop first introduces herself by relaying a relatable anecdote from her youth: trying to charm her fourth-grade peers, she replies to their substitute teacher who is reading her name from the attendance list by saying, “Here! It’s Jo-EEE-SUH JOPE, but my friends call me . . . Sloppy Jo” (9). This joke falls pitifully flat and the sub moves on, unamused, if unperturbed by the minor inconvenience. This opening reminiscence establishes the author’s persona as an “Awkward Black Girl” – or an “ABG” – as she likes to refer to herself.

The author sets up the rudiments of her story early. She has always wanted a nickname, something to impart a cool colloquial aura that would belie the many discomforts she feels growing up as an ABG. When she does finally get the nickname that...