We Are Not Broken

Starred review from August 16, 2021
In a heartwarming and sapient memoir exploring Black boyhood, womanhood, and joy, Johnson (All Boys Aren’t Blue) introduces young readers to their maternal grandmother, who “didn’t take no shit,” and the New Jersey childhood and adolescence that they, their brother, and their cousins spent under her care. Beginning each anecdotal chapter with a “Nannyism”—bits of the matriarch’s wisdom, including “a lie ain’t a side of the story. It’s a lie”—Johnson examines their youth through appreciative and critical lenses. The narrative spans their relationship with their brother and cousins, early experiences with racial discrimination, coming to terms with their queerness, and the death of their grandmother. Interweaved are letters from the cousins to Nanny, detailing her dedication to making sure they had each other as well as the tools to navigate “living in a society that sees you as disposable.” An intensely emotional, stunning read, Johnson’s memoir memorializes the legacy of their grandmother—and all of the Black grandmothers who have built the foundations necessary to ensure that their families would not only survive but flourish. Ages 14–up. Agent: Patrice Caldwell, New Leaf Literary. (Sept.)■

September 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-This work from Johnson (All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto) introduces readers to the concept of black wholeness. The life of one black family is honestly examined in a thought-provoking way. Lil' Rall, Rasul, George, and Garrett have a bond that was forged over summers spent with their grandmother. They experienced challenges that many young black boys face but were bolstered by their grandmother's unwavering love and support. They learned how to love each other and fight with and for each other, by watching the ways their grandmother handled life. Nanny's faith, wisdom, and practicality impacts each of the boys differently. She introduces them to entrepreneurship, self-advocacy, and self-love. Through her faith in God and family, she managed to create a space that allowed all of her grandchildren to express their complete humanity. The stories in this book are full of joy, love, humor, and pain. The boys, who all became successful young men, write letters depicting all the ways their grandmother's love sustained them. Through this love letter to the matriarch of their family, Johnson highlights all the ways the world tried to break them but didn't succeed. This is a multifaceted examination of all the ways his grandmother inoculated her grandsons with her steadfast love, which would act as a buffer between the boys and a world bent on limiting their humanity and their joy. VERDICT The themes covered in this memoir are ideal for high school students. Recommended for public and high school libraries.-Desiree Thomas, Worthington Lib., OH

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2021
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* This follow-up to All Boys Aren't Blue poignantly recalls author Johnson's childhood, when they felt safe and accepted as a member of a loving and supportive foursome: Johnson; their two older cousins, Rall and Rasul; and their younger, tag-along brother, Garrett. Johnson describes how, growing up Black in New Jersey, they all bonded like brothers and offers plenty of supporting anecdotes that range from touching to funny to truly cringe-worthy. The real star of the book is their grandma, Nanny, the matriarch of the family, who commandeered all child-rearing responsibilities. In addition to her regular jobs, Nanny always had at least one side hustle going on and usually settled any disputes with neighbors or extended relatives with a stiff uppercut. Johnson, who was a gay, effeminate teen, shares how they always felt protected and loved within their family. They acknowledges their special circumstances while mourning how too many young African American males grow up without any support or guidance, forced into adulthood long before they're ready. There's not a lot of current literature that explores stories of young, Black, gay men. This accessible and reflective memoir helps fill that gap.

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