All Boys Aren't Blue

Books | Young Adult Nonfiction / LGBTQ

4.4

(590)

George M. Johnson

In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue explores their childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. A New York Times Bestseller! Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Today Show, and MSNBC feature stories From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys. Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren't Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson's emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to young adults. (Johnson used he/him pronouns at the time of publication.)Velshi Banned Book Club Indie BestsellerTeen Vogue Recommended Read Buzzfeed Recommended Read People Magazine Best Book of the Summer A New York Library Best Book of 2020 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020 ... and more!

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Author

George M. Johnson

Pages

320

Publisher

Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Published Date

2020-04-28

ISBN

0374312729 9780374312725

Ratings

Google: 1

Community ReviewsSee all

"I finished reading this book last night. I’m not the target audience for this book but I enjoyed it. "

Kelli Santistevan

"This was an emotional read with a lot of personal stories and connections George shares. Beautifully written!"

Necalli

"This was a beautiful book! The words freely flowed; it felt like George was speaking directly to you. 10/10, I would definitely recommend."

Dorian Locklyn

"Very emotional and holds nothing back. I think everyone in the queer community should give it a read."

Kas Parris

"#2022read"

Emersun

"This book is so important to read. I am kind of shocked that it’s the most banned book in the US. It’s the author’s experience with Childhood sexual assault, relationships with their grandmother and other family members, and experience bottoming for their first time. It was not a good experience and they warn that they wrote about their first encounter with gay sex because they wanted young queer folks to hear about the experience from someone who didn’t like it at first. It is a beautiful reference to the incredible story of Moonlight. Where Juan teaches Chiron how to swim and how they based the title on that quote. It’s such a good read! "

Finn Hughes

"All I can say about this book is, Wow! The story the author tells of his life is so emotional and interesting. Anyone who is either struggling with their own identity, or knows someone who is, should definitely read this. The author is so fully honest and transparent about everything he has lived through, it will resonate with all. "

Christopher Allen

"This is a different type of memoir. It’s told in stories, but in essay format with each chapter being a different essay. In its collection, it tells the journey of self discovery and self acceptance for George M Johnson. This is a vulnerable tale. A vulnerable and blunt account of Johnson’s life. It’s not sugar coated nor does he hide the details of his life. Parts that are often kept private. I feel that this is a memoir that would make any queer black boys feel seen and to provide them with information that they might not get in a hetero-white world. I recommend this book to those who need to be seen and understood and for those who are curious, but not judgmental. "

Jesse Bures

"This book should be in the hands of nearly every teenager, and it’s disheartening to know it won’t thanks to book bans across the country. This does such a wonderful job of introducing elements of queer theory for a YA audience, and I can’t wait to recommend this to as many patrons as possible."

Grace

"i’ve been reading it for my english class. and honestly i love it. i’ve enjoyed reading their stories about growing up and internal thoughts about their identity. i’m still unidentified with a lot of things about myself and reading that i’m not the only one having the same thoughts is very refreshing."