All Boys Aren't Blue
All Boys Aren't Blue is a young adult non-fiction "memoir-manifesto" by journalist and activist George M. (Matthew) Johnson, published April 28, 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The book consists of a series of essays following Johnson's journey growing up as a queer Black man in Plainfield, New Jersey, and Virginia. In addition to describing Johnson's own experience, it directly addresses Black queer boys who may not have someone in their life with similar experiences. Plot. The book consists of a series of essays following Johnson journey growing up as  a queer Black man in Plainfield, New Jersey, and Virginia. In addition to describing Johnson's own experience, it directly addresses Black queer boys who may not have someone in their life with similar experiences. The book discusses consent, agency, and sexual abuse, alongside various other topics. It also describes two sexual encounters and statutory rape. Background. Johnson was motivated to write "All Boys Aren't Blue" by Toni Morrison, whose maxim "If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it," which Johnson has tattooed on their right  arm. The "blue" in the title carries several meanings, being the color of masculinity and the color of police officers, who have disproportionately invoked violence against queer Black people. The title also pays homage to the character Blue from "Queen Sugar", as well as the appearance of Black skin in "Moonlight" and the play it is based upon, "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue". Reception. Critical reception. "All Boys Aren't Blue" received a starred review from Kirkus, as well as positive reviews from "School Library Journal", "Booklist", and "Publishers Weekly". "Kirkus" called the book "[a] critical, captivating, merciful mirror  for growing up Black and queer today." "Publishers Weekly" noted, """Though at first glance the book lacks the synthesizing call to action that "manifesto" would imply, its "be yourself" message remains a radical stance for doubly marginalized individuals." They continued to say, “In a publishing landscape in need of queer black voices, readers who are sorting through similar concepts will be grateful to join him on the journey,” and called it "a balm and testimony to young readers as allies in the fight for equality." "The New York Times" called it "[a]n exuberant, unapologetic memoir infused with a deep but  clear-eyed love for its subjects." "HuffPost" wrote that it was "an unflinching testimony that carves out space for Black queer kids to be seen." Bitch Magazine said that "All Boys Aren't Blue is a game changer". "Kirkus" named "All Boys Aren't Blue" one of the best young adult biographies/memoirs of 2020. The New York Public Library and Chicago Public Library also included it in their list of the top ten books of 2020 for young adults. Controversy. "All Boys Aren't Blue" has frequently been censored. School boards in ten states have removed the book from  their libraries. In 2021, Flagler County School Board member and retired teacher Jill Woolbright filed a criminal complaint against the Superintendent for carrying the book, objecting to mentions of masturbation and oral sex. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office found that the content of the book was not a violation of law and did not warrant further investigation. The removal of the book prompted student protests. In 2021, the Wentzville School Board in Missouri banned "All Boys Aren't Blue", alongside three other books, from the district's high school libraries. Other books included in the ban were Toni Morrison ’s "The Bluest Eye," Kiese Laymon’s "Heavy", and Alison Bechdel’s "Fun Home." Adaptation. "All Boys Aren't Blue" was adapted into a short film in 2021. The film was directed by Nathan Hale Williams and stars Dyllón Burnside. "All Boys Aren't Blue" was optioned to be developed as a TV series by actress Gabrielle Union.