All Boys Aren't Blue

288 pages

English language

Published Sept. 6, 2020 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

ISBN:
978-0-374-31271-8
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5 stars (2 reviews)

In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. 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.

6 editions

2022 #FReadom read 11/20

5 stars

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M Johnson was 11th in my 2022 #FReadom quest to read books removed or threatened in Texas schools and libraries. Johnson shows his young adult readers the utmost respect: that is, he tells them the truth. us.macmillan.com/books/9780374312718/allboysarentblue

Johnson tells his truth with no sugarcoating nor melodrama: even in a supportive family, finding & claiming one's true identity is a long, rocky climb. Enroute, one may experience violence & even abuse, but also deep love & rich beauty - sometimes where one least expects.

Subjects

  • Sociology

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