Their book is banned from dozens of districts, but has helped countless young readers

Writer and LGBTQ activist George M. Johnson sparked conversation — and controversy — with their 2020 memoir about growing up Black and queer. All Boys Aren't Blue has been banned in dozens of school libraries. (Vincent Marc)

George M. Johnson's young-adult memoir All Boys Aren't Blue has become one of the most banned books in the U.S.

The book is about growing up Black and queer, and always feeling different but not having the words to express it. Over the past couple of years, at least 29 school districts have banned the book because of its LGBTQ content and for being sexually explicit.