All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto

Ages 14 to 18

A powerful debut YA memoir-manifesto about growing up Black and queer in America—for teen fans of Moonlight and I Can't Date Jesus.

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 going to flea markets 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.

About the Author

George M. Johnson is a writer and activist based in Brooklyn, New York. He has written on race, gender, sex, HIV, and education for Huffpost, the Advocate, Out Magazine, Ebony.com, Musedmagonline.com, Pride.com TheBody.com, ET Online, and has a print column "Our Story, Our Time" in A&U Magazine. He also has a column, "George's LGBTea," on HIV Equal Online. All Boys Aren't Blue is his debut. Speak with him on Twitter, @IamGMJohnson. iamgmjohnson.com