All Boys Aren't Blue

All Boys Aren't Blue 

By George M. Johnson

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020. Biography

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.

I was so captivated by this memoir that I could not put it down! It felt like a friendly conversation between the author and reader. Johnson writes in the introduction that this book is geared toward young adults, and even though some of his experiences might be more mature, since they happened to him as a young adult he hopes that by sharing them he can help other young adults. I loved hearing his stories about his community, family, and friends. He offers much needed hope and insight on what it means to be Black, queer, and joyful. 

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Billy Porter's Unprotected is the story of a young man whose unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times to where he is now; a proud icon who refuses to back down or hide. Porter is a multitalented, multifaceted treasure at the top of his game, and Unprotected is a resonant, inspirational story of trauma and healing, shot through with his singular voice.

We Are Not Broken

By George M. Johnson

Little, Brown & Company, 2021. 221 pages. YA Nonfiction

This is the vibrant story of George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul -- four children raised by Nanny, their fiercely devoted grandmother. The boys hold each other close through early brushes with racism, memorable experiences at the family barbershop, and first loves and losses. And with Nanny at their center, they are never broken. 

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