Pages: 320
Genre: Memoir Manifesto / Young Adult LGBTQ+ Issues
Author: 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.
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.)
Comments (1)
I absolutely loved this book, it was a great exploration of identity, sexuality, and gender. I loved that it was a personal guide as told from a mentoring viewpoint (appealing to teens/young adults). Once I started reading, I found that it was a quick read because of the short, personal essay style. Johnson didn’t steer away from the hard experiences they endured, but also found ways to celebrate black joy. I especially loved their relationship with Nanny. Raw, emotional, informative…a must read.