Aiden Navarro (Filipino/white) is nervous about transferring from Catholic to public school in fall when he starts high school. For now, he's happy to be at Boy Scout camp. He loves scout camp for the activities and camaraderie, and as a chance to be away from his unhappy home. Generally well-liked by other campers, Aiden takes some teasing in stride but meaner comments-racist and homophobic taunts he's sadly familiar with-are hard. Despite an obvious crush on fellow camper Elias, Catholic Aiden is in denial about being gay. Elias, who's been a terrific friend at camp, distances himself after Aiden-surprising them both-kisses him. The recent firing of a counselor because he's gay, and the silence of Aiden's best friend Violet, a devout Christian who hasn't written back since Aiden hinted in a letter he might be gay, compound Aiden's suddenly dark feelings and he seriously contemplates suicide. The "flamer" of this graphic novel's title has obvious literal and symbolic meaning, but one of the enduring ones is "light," not only because Aiden realizes that he is loved, cared for, and accepted for who he is when Elias, other campers, and Violet all come through, but because of the brightness of Aiden's personality, which makes his deep sadness and feeling of hopelessness before he finds light all the more aching by contrast. This honest, ultimately affirming work features black-and-white illustrations punctuated with bursts of orange to great effect. (Age 12 and older)

Award-winning author and artist Mike Curato draws on his own experiences in Flamer, his debut graphic novel, telling a difficult story with humor, compassion, and love.

"This book will save lives." —Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of National Book Award Finalist Hey, Kiddo

I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both.

I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel . . . unsafe.

It's the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone's going through changes—but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

Godwin Books