All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue explores his 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The memoir includes descriptions of violence, such as a 5-year-old being attacked by older children, resulting in severe injury. It also discusses broader violence against Black and queer individuals. The memoir tackles tough and scary topics related to identity and violence, approached in a frank manner, which may be intense for some readers.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have violence?
The memoir includes descriptions of violence, such as a 5-year-old being attacked by older children, resulting in severe injury. It also discusses broader violence against Black and queer individuals.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have scary content?
The memoir tackles tough and scary topics related to identity and violence, approached in a frank manner, which may be intense for some readers.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have religious themes?
No religious themes detected in search results.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have racial/cultural content?
The memoir discusses the author's experiences as a Black queer individual, highlighting the intersection of race and sexuality and the challenges faced in society. It emphasizes the need for representation of Black queer experiences.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have profanity?
The book has been challenged for containing profanity, which is noted as a reason for its censorship in some areas.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have climate change?
No climate themes detected in search results.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have sexual identity?
Contains specific descriptions of consensual sex and a sexual assault that are not presented in an erotic context. The memoir addresses themes of consent and sexual identity.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have gender roles?
The memoir critiques compulsory heterosexuality and gender-centric expectations, advocating for the freedom to define one's identity outside societal norms. It promotes a modern feminist perspective on gender roles.
Does All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto have lgbtq+ themes?
The memoir explores the author's journey of understanding their identity as a queer Black individual, addressing the intersection of these identities. It normalizes LGBTQ+ experiences and emphasizes the importance of community for queer youth.
