We Are Not Broken

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Author(s)

George M. Johnson

Publisher

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

September 07, 2021

ISBN

978-0759554603

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George M. Johnson, activist and bestselling author ofAll Boys Aren't Blue, returns with a striking memoir that celebrates Black boyhood and brotherhood in all its glory.

This is the vibrant story of George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul -- four children raised by Nanny, their fiercely devoted grandmother. The boys hold one another close through early brushes with racism, memorable experiences at the family barbershop, and first loves and losses. And with Nanny at their center, they are never broken.

George M. Johnson capture the unique experience of growing up as a Black boy in America, and their rich family stories -- exploring themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and culture -- are interspersed with touching letters from the grandchildren to their beloved matriarch. By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this personal account is destined to become a modern classic of emerging adulthood.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

heartfelt memoir

August 25, 2021

Overall rating

5.0

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N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

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WE ARE NOT BROKEN is a heartfelt and thoughtful memoir about growing up Black, framed around Nanny, the family matriarch, who is fierce, protective, loving, and changed so many lives. George (known as Matt, their middle name, as a child) tells stories from growing up with their brothers, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul (the latter two are technically cousins but raised like brothers) with all their mistakes, fun, and lessons learned.

It is so easy to fall in love with Nanny and all her Nannyisms throughout the story, the author and sibling's voices endear her to the reader. The vignettes we see through George's stories tell of a life lived fully, with enduring lessons. I appreciated the context that George gives around the stories, explaining, as relevant, historical context, problematic behaviors, misogyny, and racist context that takes this memoir a little deeper and can be quite eye-opening for readers.

Ultimately a powerful memoir about the Black experience, WE ARE NOT BROKEN is a heartfelt and thought-provoking read about family, love, and society. Highly recommend picking this one up.