All Boys Aren't Blue cover

All Boys Aren't Blue

by George M. Johnson

A Black queer memoir they tried to erase from schools

For you if

you grew up knowing something about yourself that nobody around you named

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A series of personal essays from journalist George M. Johnson about growing up as a Black queer person in New Jersey — family, identity, and the violence that comes with being visibly yourself.

In effect right now

Somebody decided you shouldn’t read this. Read it this week.

It only works if nobody notices. Get a copy, pass it on, and tell the people who made the call that you did.

A Black queer memoir about growing up — challenged for "sexually explicit content." The actual threat: a book by a Black queer person that treats their sexuality and identity as normal, narrated in their own voice, for young readers who may recognize themselves in it.

The record

  • South Carolina

    Feb 4, 2025

    Removed statewide (state law or state board rule) · Every public K–12 school

    Public libraries

    Initiated by: government or statute

    In effect nowLast verified Oct 2, 2026Source ↗

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