Reviews with content warning for Cursing - All Boys Aren't Blue

I understand why this book makes book banners angry. It’s a powerful, honest discussion of racism, homophobia, and learning to embrace who you are while standing up to oppression. It’s also a beautiful celebration of a Black family’s unconditional love and community. Bitter mixed with sweet, imperfect but dedicated.

As the author mentions at the beginning of the book, there’s some heavy stuff that is discussed, but they lived these experiences as young as 5 years old. Not everyone gets the luxury to not think about heavy topics, I truly believe teens need books like this to know they’re not alone, or to learn that other people have struggled in ways they’ve never considered.

I could write an essay about this book.

Content Warnings

autismandniamh's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

Heart-wrenching, searingly honest and shocking. There was occasional “finding my journey” speak which came across a little cringe; plus the SA chapter was incredibly difficult to read and felt overly sympathetic to the abuser, even with the disclaimer at the end of the chapter. In addition, the fraternity parts read like self-immolation rather than self-realisation and finding family, but what do I know? I’ve never been in one. You can’t fault George for his honesty though.

Content Warnings

callidoralblack's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective

Content Warnings

bookwormcat's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

Content Warnings

dannothedino's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5

Content Warnings

strawberrytheauthor's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

I read this for a college course and it was so good. I don’t know if I personally would categorize it as YA because the sexual and violent scenes were quite graphic. I identified with the book which surprised me because I am a cisgendered white woman.

Content Warnings

More...