This paper discusses several novels written by black American writers that deal with the initiation experiences of young blacks, and should, therefore, appeal to black adolescents. The novels are grouped according to the three stages in the initiation experience of the adolescent: separation; transition; and incorporation. In separation, the adolescent usually goes through some kind of experience in which his family situation is changed or the ties of belonging are cut in some other way. Transition is defined by the adolescent-initiate's awareness of his emerging sexuality. Incorporation is characterized by the acceptance or rejection of society by the initiate. The books discussed are: "Boy at the Window"; "Hog Butcher"; "Beetlecreek"; "The Learning Tree"; "Sissie"; "Brown Girl, Brownstones"; "Go Tell It on the Mountain"; "And Then We Heard the Thunder"; "Native Son"; and "Invisible Man." (CL)