Award-winning author and artist Mike Curato draws on his own experiences inFlamer, 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 FinalistHey, Kiddo

I know Im not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. Theyre mean, and scary, and theyre 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 changesbut 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.