Title: Flamer
Author: Mike Curato
First published September 1, 2020
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781250756145 (ISBN10: 1250756146)
Rating: 4.32
Overview
Flamer, the debut graphic novel by award-winning author and artist Mike Curato, is a poignant and heart-warming story that sheds light on the struggles of growing up different. Aiden Navarro is not like the other boys.
He knows he’s not gay, but the word makes him feel uncomfortable and unsafe. As he spends the summer at camp, Aiden grapples with the challenges of adolescence, from bullying to self-discovery.
With humor, compassion, and love, Flamer is a story that everyone can relate to, reminding us that it’s okay to be different and that acceptance starts with ourselves.
About the Author
Mike’s passion for art began at a young age, as he started sketching as soon as he could hold a pencil. He grew up in the suburbs of New York City and attended Syracuse University, where he earned a BFA in Illustration.
After graduation, he ventured to Seattle and established himself as a graphic designer. His portfolio showcases his exceptional design work.
In 2012, Mike’s dream of becoming a published author and illustrator of children’s books came true when Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (MacMillan) offered him a 3-book contract featuring his character, Little Elliot. The first book in the series, Little Elliot, Big City, made its debut on August 26th, 2014.
Mike now resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Editoral Review
Flamer by Mike Curato is a powerful and moving coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience. Curato, a well-known author and illustrator of children’s books, makes an impressive debut in the young adult genre with this poignant and deeply personal story.
The protagonist of the book is Aiden Navarro, a fifteen-year-old boy who is spending his summer working as a camp counselor. Aiden is struggling with his sexuality and his feelings of isolation and shame.
He must navigate a harsh social environment, where bullying and homophobia are rampant, and confront his own fears and insecurities. The plot of Flamer is driven by Aiden’s internal struggles and his relationships with the people around him, including his fellow counselors, his family, and his crush, a boy named Eli.
The setting of the book, a rugged wilderness camp in upstate New York, provides a rich and atmospheric backdrop for Aiden’s journey. One of the strengths of Flamer is its raw and honest depiction of the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face in contemporary society.
The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, such as self-harm, mental health, and discrimination. At the same time, Curato’s writing is infused with compassion and empathy for his characters, and he treats their struggles with sensitivity and respect.
The book is also notable for its beautiful illustrations, which are interspersed throughout the text and add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story. Curato’s artistic talents are on full display here, and his illustrations complement his writing perfectly.
Despite its many strengths, there are some aspects of Flamer that are less successful. The pacing of the book is uneven at times, and some subplots feel underdeveloped.
Additionally, some readers may find the book’s frank depiction of sexuality and violence to be disturbing or triggering. Overall, however, Flamer is a powerful and important book that deserves wide recognition.
It is a timely and relevant story that speaks to the experiences of many young people today, and it is told with sensitivity, honesty, and a deep sense of humanity. Readers who are interested in LGBTQ+ literature or who are looking for an impactful and thought-provoking coming-of-age story should definitely check out this book.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
