46 pages • 1 hour read
All Boys Aren't Blue
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New Jersey • 2000s
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson is a young adult memoir about the author's experiences growing up Black and queer, structured in four parts that chronologically trace their life from childhood to college graduation. Johnson navigates various challenges, including identity crises, family relationships, sexual assault, and coming out, while finding support in family and friends. The memoir addresses racial slurs, racism, physical, and sexual abuse, injury and death, graphic depictions of sexual encounters, bullying and harassment, and anti-LGBTQ+ language and sentiments.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
44,126 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson is a powerful memoir addressing themes of identity, race, and sexuality. Reviewers praise its candid narratives and the author's evocative storytelling. However, some note that its graphic content may be intense for younger readers. Overall, it serves as both a poignant coming-of-age tale and a vital contribution to LGBTQ+ literature.
Who Should Read All Boys Aren't Blue?
Readers who would enjoy All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson are typically drawn to memoirs that explore identity, intersectionality, and the struggles of marginalized communities. Fans of Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas would find this book impactful and enlightening.
44,126 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nanny
Nanny
Johnson's maternal grandmother and a key supportive figure, whose silent yet unwavering acceptance provides Johnson with love and understanding throughout their upbringing.
Johnson’s Mother
Johnson’s Mother
A supportive parent who works strenuously yet ensures acceptance for Johnson and other queer family members, serving to normalize and advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance within families.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Line Brothers
The Alpha Phi Alpha Line Brothers
A group of fraternity brothers, comprised of both queer and non-queer members, who collectively support each other and redefine masculinity, symbolizing a chosen family for Johnson.
Kenny
Kenny
One of Johnson's fraternity brothers, notably the first person Johnson came out to; his acceptance illustrates how strangers can become supportive figures in a queer person's life.
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New Jersey • 2000s
YA
14-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.