George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul were 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. Johnson captures the unique experience of growing up as a Black boy in America. He explores themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and culture, interspersed with touching letters from the grandchildren to their beloved matriarch.