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All Boys Aren't Blue  By  cover art

All Boys Aren't Blue

By: George M. Johnson
Narrated by: George M. Johnson
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Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author.

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.

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

Featured Article: The Best Sex-Positive Books to Empower and Inspire You


Sex is a natural part of life, but it can sometimes feel like a taboo subject—which is a bit preposterous, considering how sex is linked to politics, gender, mental health, literature, and how we navigate the world. This list of the best sex-positive nonfiction books (with a few provocative fiction titles thrown in for good measure) is all about exploring the intricacies of sex with intelligence, humor, and insight. Discover these cross-genre voices.

What listeners say about All Boys Aren't Blue

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Love at 1st read

I’m not much of a reader and I wanted to start a new habit by reading 1 book a week. This was my first book. I laughed. I teared. I reflected. And lastly, I finished this work feeling empowered and validated.

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7 people found this helpful

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This book is everything!

I cannot wait to teach this to my students :)
Style: Perfect
Content: Necessary
Form: Inspirational

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6 people found this helpful

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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.

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5 people found this helpful

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Required reading

I would’ve purchased the paperback, but I had 5 Audible credits, so I decided to use them here. Moved, delighted and entertained is the best way to describe my reaction to this memoir-manifesto by George M. Johnson (a.k.a. Matt). Kudos to the author for finding his voice and courage to share his truth with us. As a cisgender woman, I learned so much. It never dawned on me how one-sided sex education is, until George shared his side of what was missing. And I know that queer boys will learn from this story and be able to have a place to turn to with their questions—and find answers. My husband heard me listening to the book and asked: Is that your gay frat brother? Me: No, he’s not a Que. But he’s still fam because 1. he’s a writer. 2. he’s black 3. he’s an HBCU alum and 4. he’s Greek. OOP-PHI! #hbcumade

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So NEEDED!

This book is wonderful! I connected with so many of the stories. I cried, and rooted for you throughout. Thanks for writing this book, it’s definitely valuable.

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4 people found this helpful

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A beautifully important coming of age story

A must-listen for Black Black queer young adults, and for those who walk with them (us). Blessings and '06!

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3 people found this helpful

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I loved it!!!

This book was filled with some much love and I truly resonated with George’s memoir b/c it reminded me of my childhood. ❤️❤️❤️

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Page turner loves this book

Really enjoyed very transparent and so open I throughly enjoyed this book and related to some of the background from him being from my home town and state and hearing about his overall experience there definitely brought back some memories. I was so intrigued by the levels of vulnerability, complexity and over strength that was displayed to share such moments with the world. I am humbly grateful to be able to get a peak into his world through this novel.

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This story was necessary

It breaks my heart that this book has been deemed controversial and even banned in some areas. This is truly a reflection of the lives of many people. The story gave insight into what it is to grow up in a society where you don’t feel safe being your authentic self. Hearing the author narrate his story felt like a conversation. I really enjoyed getting to know him.

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2 people found this helpful

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Powerful

As a cis-gender heterosexual woman, I still found this book poignant and important with lessons I could take away for my own life. As an ally, I am always interested in these reads to enhance perspective, grow my understanding, and confront any biases that I may not realize that I have.

Supremely real and honest, this text has something important for everyone. Touching on some difficult themes, but in a delicate way, George M. Johnson has crafted a memoir honoring all of the people and events that have led him to where he is today!

It's also narrated by the author which is always a plus!

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