All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

January 2023

Reconsideration Committee Report:

As an auto-biography, this book has literary value in telling the experience of a black, queer man in America.  The chapter in question "Losing My Virginity Twice" is a part of his story that is told with the express intent of educating readers on some of the information that the author felt is left out of typical sex education.  Part of the reconsideration process is to consider the entirety of the work, not just an excerpt pulled from the whole. In the context of the whole book, it did not seem to have the intent or effect of appealing to prurient interest, which is one of the three criteria when determining if material is obscene in U.S. Supreme Court Case Miller vs California.  In addition, the committee found All Boys Aren't Blue, in its entirety, has both literary and artistic value, having earned high and/or starred reviews from multiple professional review sources.  In a school library, where students have the choice of what to read or not to read, and where parents have the opportunity to control access for their students if they choose, this book is appropriate for high school students.  It is important to keep a variety of perspectives and resources available to students in the library, and allowing them to choose what to read.  The request for reconsideration listed the Bible as a suitable replacement.  It was noted that we do have the Bible, as well as other religious books in our library.  This book comes from a different worldview and experience, and ensures that the library honors a variety of different viewpoints.  The committee felt it important to allow students and parents the opportunity to choose for themselves, and that it is not appropriate for one or more worldviews to be excluded from the collection for others.