Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"This is a story that will be read and reread, and for some, it will be the defining book of their adolescence." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
“[Mike Curato] knows [boys] like Judy Blume knows a teenaged girl, and that's quite a bit.” NPR
Review
"This book will save lives." Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of National Book Award Finalist Hey, Kiddo
About the Author
Mike Curato is the author and illustrator of the Little Elliot series and has illustrated a number of other books for children, including Worm Loves Worm. Flamer is Mike's first graphic novel.