All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-Manifesto

By: George M. Johnson

Narrated by: George M. Johnson

This program is read by the author.

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.

A New York Times Bestseller!

Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Today Show, and MSNBC feature stories

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.)

Velshi Banned Book Club

Indie Bestseller

Teen Vogue Recommended Read

Buzzfeed Recommended Read

People Magazine Best Book of the Summer

A New York Library Best Book of 2020

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020 ... and more!

A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux

©2020 George M. Johnson (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

NYPL Best Books of the Year, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, 2020

I am disappointed in the pushback. This was a great memoir

I am not a crier, but as a neurodivergent, non-binary, African American/Hispanic individual, this book spoke to me on so many levels. As an SA survivor and an individual who cared for my grandmother as she left this world from metastatic cancer…I am astounded in the well-rounded ness and the tact in describing such sensitive topics. I had some tears, I even had a sob or two as I identified all too well.

This is a book I wish I had when I skulked through my school libraries, as a child who felt they had no place in this world. To know that you can still find acceptance and learn even if you don’t conform to any of society’s norms. I hope any young adult that needs to read this can. I hope they learn and have the opportunity to grow. I hope any adult can also learn and grow. Brava, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for this.

A privilege to read

As a 64 year old white woman of some privilege I want to thank those who banned this book…otherwise I might have never read it or had it come into my life. I loved this book from start to finish…George, Matthew and/or MJ you did yourself and many others proud. Thank you.

A Queer Must Have!

Recommending to everyone I know! The story is so relatable for any black, brown, poc and a great look into the intersection of being LGBTQ+. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND

Beautiful, raw, and needed.

I wish I had this book as a kid. Some parts were so close to my own experiences I felt like I was reading my own book.

Tears, Smiles, Pain, Celebration, Healing

So many highs and lows we’re felt in my mind, heart and spirit. I understand fiercely loving as a mom of queer children. I also know there is so much more to learn about how often I fell short. This book was affirming as well as healing.