How the Boogeyman Became a Poet

Odyssey Award for Audiobook Excellence Winner

Poet, writer, and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, George M. Johnson, and Jacqueline Woodson.

Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there’s no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don’t align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu.

Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn’t breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he 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?

• A Powerful Memoir in Verse: Tony confronts the “Boogeyman”—the embodiment of racism, homophobia, and his own inner fears—through raw, rhythmic, and unforgettable poetry.
• Coming Out Story: Navigating secret feelings for boys and the world of early internet chat rooms, all while trying to be the perfect boyfriend to his girlfriend, Blu.
• First-Generation College Experience: The journey of being the first in his family to go to college, facing academic and social hurdles without a map to follow.
• Black Boy Joy and Pain: An honest exploration of identity, celebrating the triumphs of finding freedom on the stage while grappling with the loneliness of hiding who you are.