How the Boogeyman Became a Poet

Poet,writerand hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in versetracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling povertyracismand homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth AcevedoGeorge M. Johnsonand Jacqueline Woodson. Tony dreams about life after high schoolwhere his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. Firstthe Boogeyman was after his Blacknessbut Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend collegebut there’s no path to follow. He also has feelings for boysdesires that don’t align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriendBlu. Despite a supportive network of family and friendsTony doesn’t breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to collegehe struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it’s lurking inside you?