Reviews tagging 'Racial slurs'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

146 reviews

zmg6's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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erich617's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

3.0

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kbeucler's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this book in celebration of Banned Books Week. This book is part memoir and part manifesto and aimed at a young adult audience. Johnson shares their story of discovering and uniting all the pieces of their identity (nonbinary, gay, and African American). The book addresses queer youth who might be able to relate to parts of Johnson’s journey. I’m not the target audience for this book, but it’s very important representation for the community that is the target audience.
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katie0528's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

An exploration and memoir of Johnson's life growing up both Black and queer. While his family is incredibly accepting, he still faces homophobia from his schoolmates and others. Johnson discusses personal issues such as being molested by a cousin and how not having queer role models caused him to suffer from his own internalized homophobia and feeling as if he doesn't belong. He writes specifically to other young queer people, specifically those of color, trying to be the role model he never had.
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audioandereadergrrly's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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bashsbooks's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

Young adult memoirs are a fickle and difficult genre. It's kind of niche, and YA in general is subject to what adults think teens want, not what teens actually want. (Not that I know what teens want, either, but I can postulate about some things they might not want.) I think for the most part, Johnson recalls being a teen better than most adults, and he's franker with teens than most adults are willing to be. I respect this honesty and directness from him, I like that All Boys Aren't Blue tackles CSA, sexuality, gender, abuse, racism, homophobia, death, and toxic masculinity without shying away from them, and with empathy and nuance without making excuses for abusers. At times, he does come off a little stiff and lecturey, but he's above average for the genre. And his anecdotes are well-chosen and well-connected.
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bseigel's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

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ellius's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

Now I’m gonna be upfront. I hate memoirs. I never thought I would like one let alone love one. But this book will always hold a special place in my heart.

This book is educational and thorough. It’s valuable and heartfelt. It. Shouldn’t. Be. Banned.

This book covers topics, issues and education in an upfront and inspiring way. It’s obviously written for young adults and it uses some writing techniques to show that. It’s light hearted and extremely valuable and i recommend everyone read it. 

10/10. Check it out.
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pizzaisjesus98's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

A wonderful and important book that can open eyes and hearts
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brookes95's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative lighthearted reflective sad

5.0

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