George M. Johnson (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George M. Johnson
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | George Matthew Johnson 1985 (age 39–40) United States |
| Occupation | Writer, author |
| Language | English |
| Education | Virginia Union University (BA) Bowie State University (MD) |
| Notable works | All Boys Aren't Blue |
George Matthew Johnson (born 1985), also known as George M. Johnson, is an American author, journalist, and activist. They are known for writing about their experiences as a Black and queer person. Their most famous book is All Boys Aren't Blue, published in 2020.
Contents
Early Life and School
George M. Johnson grew up in New Jersey and later in Virginia. They have shared that their family was very supportive. Johnson went to Virginia Union University, which is a historically Black college. They also studied at Bowie State University for graduate school.
George M. Johnson's Career
Johnson's writings have appeared in many popular magazines and websites. These include Teen Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, NBC, The Root, and BuzzFeed. They also wrote for Essence and Ebony.
All Boys Aren't Blue Book
Johnson became widely known for their book All Boys Aren't Blue (2020). This book is a collection of essays about growing up. It shares Johnson's memories and focuses on their identity as a Black and queer person. The essays talk about important relationships with family. They also explore Johnson's understanding of what it means to be masculine.
The book received many honors. It was chosen for YALSA's Teens' Top 10 list. It also made the ALA Rainbow Book List. Kirkus gave it a great review. In 2020, The Root named Johnson one of the "100 Most Influential African Americans."
Book Challenges and Importance
Since November 2021, All Boys Aren't Blue has been a target of book challenges. This means some people have tried to remove it from libraries. The ALA reported that this book was one of the most challenged library books in 2024. It was removed from libraries in some states.
Johnson has explained that their book helps young people learn important lessons. They said the book teaches about making good choices. It also helps readers understand how to deal with difficult experiences. Johnson believes the book provides valuable context for young people.
Other Books by Johnson
In 2021, George M. Johnson released another book called We Are Not Broken. This memoir focuses on Black boyhood. It also shares stories about Johnson's grandmother, Nanny. This book was recognized with the Carter G. Woodson Book Award.
Personal Life
George M. Johnson identifies as queer and non-binary.
George M. Johnson's Works
- The (________) They Don't Teach You About College (2016)
- All Boys Aren't Blue (2020)
- We Are Not Broken (2021)
- Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood (contributor) (2021)
- Property of No State (2022)
- Stonewall, illustrated by Theo Lorenz (2022)
- Five Second Violation (2023)
- Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known (2024)
Awards and Honors
George M. Johnson has received several awards for their writing:
- In 2019, their article "When Racism Anchors your Health" won the National Association of Black Journalists' Salute to Excellence Award.
- All Boys Aren't Blue was selected for Outstanding Books for the College Bound: Literature and Language Arts in 2019.
- In 2020, All Boys Aren't Blue was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir & Autobiography.
- In 2021, All Boys Aren't Blue was named a Top 10 book on the ALA Rainbow Book List.
- It was also selected for YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults and Teens' Top 10 lists in 2021.
