All Boys Aren't Blue

Author: George M. Johnson

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.

Over the past few months of this current school year, the ALA has seen a drastic uptick in book challenges. The majority of these challenges are due to their focus on examining race and LGBTQIA+ -related concepts. Among the titles receiving some of the higher amounts of challenges is Johnson’s, All Boys Aren’t Blue. At least EIGHT different states including: Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Virginia, and Texas, have removed this book citing that the book violated state obscenity laws because it contains, sexually graphic material, including descriptions of queer sex and masturbation.