Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I think this is a really thoughtful and well laid out poetry memoir and Tony Keith is going to be an exciting new voice in YA literature. Both the book and audiobook versions of this story have wonderful production value (print: pictures & notebook pages / audio: author reciting/singing, sound cues) that makes the reading experience profoundly relatable and moving. I don't typically get swept away by poetry, but this was cool.

This was a moving rendition of the authors life told in true SLAM poetry style. Very well written. The lyrical flow of the words and this very tough subject of coming out,speaks volumes to the lives of young adults experiencing these same issues.

"How The Boogeyman Became a Poet" is an evocative YA memoir in verse by Tony Keith Jr., a talented Black, gay poet, writer, and hip-hop educator. In this debut work, Tony takes readers on a raw and honest journey, chronicling his struggles as a closeted gay Black teen grappling with poverty, racism, and homophobia, and ultimately finding freedom in the healing power of spoken word and poetry.

The narrative revolves around Tony's dreams and aspirations, particularly his desire to be the first in his family to attend college. However, the metaphorical Boogeyman, representing societal expectations and personal fears, has been a constant presence in his life since childhood. Initially targeting his Blackness, the Boogeyman evolves, forcing Tony to confront his sexuality, desires, and the internalized script that conflicts with his true self.

The portrayal of Tony's internal struggles is deeply moving, as he navigates the challenges of being true to himself while contending with societal norms as a Black son to a very religious, rigid father. The juxtaposition of Tony's senior year of high school and his freshman year of college allows readers to see how important a sense of independence can be towards coming into our own skin.

Tony's courage in addressing the themes of loneliness, self-acceptance, and the quest for authentic expression is commendable. The book also sheds light on the significance of familial and social support, with Tony having a network of supportive family and friends.The strength of Tony's poetry is evident throughout the memoir, showcasing his ability to use language as a tool for healing and self-exploration. As he grapples with the question of finding his poetic voice while hiding essential aspects of himself, readers are taken on a journey that celebrates the liberating power of artistic expression.

Tony Keith Jr.'s memoir is a must-read for fans of YA literature and poetry alike that tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the healing journey towards embracing all aspects of oneself. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read!

All Boys Aren’t Blue meets The Black Flamingo in this YA memoir written in verse about a boy who l has to deal with being Black and gay.

I love books written in verse, especially YAs. Their cadence and rhythm calm me; the stories are often intense and beautiful, and at the same time, they’re quickly readable.

How the Boogeyman Became a Poet immediately drew me in. Tony’s anxiety and struggles instantly flooded the pages, and my gut already churned in the first chapters. His story is intertwined with beautiful poems he wrote as a teen. It shows how the cheerful but also anxious boy found a way out in his poetry while having a girlfriend instead of a boyfriend. Found a way to let his words speak in his desire to get into college. It’s a shame the memoir isn’t on anyone’s radar yet. This story is so powerful and lyrical, and I hope many people will pick it up!

I just wish this book had a more striking cover so people would immediately grab a copy.

This was such a great book especially the poetry. This book takes you on a much needed journey and I enjoyed every moment of it

The writing style was not one I enjoyed. While I grasped the concept of the story that was being told, the way it was written I wasn't able to really get into the story and enjoy what was being told. I think it may be a great book for others especially those who enjoy stories written in verse but this book was not for me.

This book is beautiful. As a poet myself, I love that everything is written in verse. Not only that, I also love the artistry woven in metaphors. It takes a lot of skill to write a full story like this written entirely in poetry, a skill I would like to one day possess. I know I wasn't the target audience for the book, a fact the author includes in his author note but I loved it so so much. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry, relates to the topics presented in this book, and for all those the author said he wrote this book for. Who knows you might find yourself in the lines, my favorite part about poetry, the verses are metaphors that mean different things to different people.