First published 2021
George M. Johnson tells the story of four boys who find strength in family bonds. George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul grow up in their grandmother's house, where Nanny provides unwavering love and guidance. The boys face their first encounters with racism together. They spend afternoons at the neighborhood barbershop, listening to adult conversations and learning about their community. Each brother navigates the confusion of first crushes and the pain of early losses. Through every challenge, Nanny remains their anchor, teaching them resilience and self-worth. The boys support each other through difficult moments, creating an unbreakable circle of brotherhood. Johnson includes personal letters the grandsons wrote to their grandmother, revealing the depth of their gratitude and love. Color photographs capture family moments and memories. This memoir shows how one woman's devotion shapes four young lives, proving that love can overcome any obstacle.
Genres: family, african-american, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-growth
240 pages · Hardcover · Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Content warnings: racism