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Flamer
Flamer | Mike Curato
35 posts | 43 read | 15 to read
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 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.
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peanutnine
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This was a #blameitonlitsy impulse read and I don't regret it. Such a moving graphic novel for young adults struggling with their sexuality/identity. Slightly based on the author's personal experience in the scouts, it examines friendship & finding community amid bullying & discrimination. But it is ultimately a story of hope in the face of all these challenges & accepting your whole self unapologetically
#LGBTQ2024 summer/nature/camp @Kenyazero

Kenyazero An excellent (but intense) impulse read! 4mo
36 likes1 comment
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JenniferEgnor
Flamer | Mike Curato
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The latest episode from NPR‘s Code Switch takes up a hot topic: banned books. More to come!

Link to this episode where you can hear the author speak: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608?i=1000660224909

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wanderinglynn
Flamer | Mike Curato
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“I know I'm not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I HATE boys. They are mean and scary, and they're always destroying something or saying something dumb or both.”

The use of black & white contrasted with orange & red really packs a punch. The thematic use of fire takes on a multitude of meanings throughout the story.

This story hits hard & strikes deep into your heart.

Book 4 #20in4
Book 7 #summerreadingchallenge (banned or challenged)

59 likes2 stack adds
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Kaylamburson
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

This is the top banned book right now so I wanted to see what it was about. I liked the art style and it was easy to follow the story while adding some depth to the emotion with the use of flames and orange/red coloring. There‘s a lot of mature content (sex, masturbation, and suicide), but it‘s ultimately about finding your place in the world and that everyone matters.

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GirlNamedJesse
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Jarrett J. Krosoczka said “this book will save lives” and I really think that says it best. What a phenomenal resource for teens and other readers who are experiencing extreme bullying and harassment, and contemplating self-harm or suicide. My heart hurts for the character of Aiden and for the author who had these experiences to base the book on.

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Julsmarshall
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This #bannedbook was lovely and meaningful. In this thoughtful graphic novel, the author explores the experiences of a kid who sees themself as different and is struggling with the labels others are putting on them. The boy scout camp setting offers the perfect backdrop and brought back memories of when my son was immersed in the Scout community, luckily his seemed more inclusive than most. #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #bookriotchallenge

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 9mo
TieDyeDude I really enjoyed this book and the author's ability to give the main character depth without feeling the need to give them a definitive label. It is a shame that it is such a challenged book because it could be invaluable to certain young people. 9mo
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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underground_bks
Flamer | Mike Curato
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When I saw this graphic novel was not only the 4th most banned and challenged book in the country in 2022, but also effectively banned in nearby Marietta this year, I had to read it for myself. Flamer tells the semi-autobiographical story of a Boy Scout struggling with homophobia, racism, and fatphobia during his last week of camp before high school. Moving, vividly told, and deeply compassionate, this is an important story to have on our shelves.

CaitlinR I don‘t envy you the climate you‘re in, but I‘m glad you‘re fighting the good fight. 11mo
TieDyeDude So pathetic. While news like this hurts, I'm glad that successful attempts to ban books are, so far, few and far between. 11mo
underground_bks @CaitlinR some inspiration: our bookstore is in the rural college town of Carrollton—and our Pride had over 1500 attendees this year! 11mo
underground_bks @TieDyeDude we have a year-round banned books display in our bookstore! 11mo
29 likes4 comments
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Bookish_Gal
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Wowza. That was heavier than expected. Religious Boy Scout goes on a camping trip and finds himself feeling something new for another boy. The themes of bullying was so much. Aiden is bullied for his appearance, eyes & chubby. But also wonders his growing flame feelings for a boy. He can‘t like boys, that‘s a sin. Does that make him bad? Ending made me cry.
Half memoir; banned; Age: 14+
Tw: suicide, masturbation, bullying, boy jokes, almost nudity

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booklover3258
Flamer | Mike Curato
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My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/U9k6S7kcZl8

Enjoy!

TieDyeDude I loved this GN! Sad it is so challenged 1y
38 likes1 comment
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Cortg
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This was so well done! It‘s an LGBTQ coming of age story, part fiction, part autobiographical taking place during a week of scout camp the summer before Aiden goes to high school. It had me in tears at the end and brought back fond memories of my son‘s scouting years. All the feels for this one! Top 5 most challenged books in 2022 per ALA. #ReadHarder2023 #Pop23 ~a book that‘s been banned or challenges in any state in 2022

Cinfhen Ohhh, I‘m gonna look to use this one too! Thanks for the tag and recommendation 😘 2y
Cortg @Cinfhen I hope you enjoy it! ❤️ 2y
45 likes2 comments
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Cortg
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Brought this one home for Right to Read day. I probably won‘t start it until tomorrow, but it got the checkout today.

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TracyReadsBooks
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

The graphic novel format is perfect for this powerful, emotional coming-of-age story about a young man at camp the summer before high school. Inspired by the author‘s own experiences as a closeted kid at camp, this story touches on friendship, self-awareness, & acceptance, as well as more difficult themes including homophobia, bigotry, racism, & suicide. Spare prose, art rendered in black & white with occasional colors tell a compelling story.

29 likes1 stack add
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GiadaLexy
Flamer | Mike Curato
Pickpick

Capolavoro ❤️
Una storia che riesce attraverso gli occhi di un ragazzo comune a lanciare un bellissimo messaggio. Una storia forte e mozzafiato sulle difficoltà di crescere e accettare se stessi. Mi sono commossa dall‘inizio alla fine! Leggetelo! Ne vale la pena!!!

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TieDyeDude
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

An excellent LGBT graphic novel. One of the best aspects is that Aiden doesn't truly find answers to his social problems or personal questions. The ground work is laid, but the come-away is that it is okay to be different, even if you don't have words yet for your identity.

36 likes1 stack add
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IndoorDame
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

This was a difficult read. It really evoked a specific type of racism and homophobia that were so pervasive in the 90s. But I think it would be really helpful for a lot of kids. While it touched on a lot of dark topics including suicidal ideation, it also showed positive friendships and relationships with adults that helped the main character overcome that. #BBRCMiddleGradeYourStateAwardWinner #LGBTQBookBingoLibraryLoan @LibrarianRyan @Kenyazero

Kenyazero This is an excellent read! 2y
LibrarianRyan This has only recently become known to me. Jarrett Krosacczka (lunch lady and Hey Kiddo) has been championing it lately because of the recent banning events. 2y
40 likes2 comments
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Sarahreadstoomuch
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This was so good! The last week at Boy Scout Camp before starting high school, Aiden struggles with his sexuality and dealing with bullies. I think this is a book that could really reach some struggling kids out there.

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stevesbookstuf1
Flamer | Mike Curato
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I'm on Australia time! We hosted family in Michigan last month & are visiting them in Brisbane this month. Feels great after not being able to do so for the past couple of years.

Anyway, here's my first book review for Pride Month. It‘s easy to see why this book won the 2020 Lambda Literary Award for the LGBTQ YA category. Full of teenage realism and an almost tragedy, it tugged on my heartstrings.

Full review: https://bit.ly/rvw-flamer

stevesbookstuf1 And yes, it's my second graphic novel ever! I know, such a newb... 2y
13 likes1 comment
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psalva
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This won the Lammy in 2020 for LGBTQ Young Adult. Having grown up queer and closeted in scouting in the late 90s through the 2000s, I related to a lot that happened in this graphic novel, and I think others might too. Curato also does a good job capturing the internal conflicts Aiden has because of his Catholicism. The ending might be seen as too abrupt/tidy by some. However, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book overall.

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erzascarletbookgasm
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

I thought this to be a very honest semi-autobiographical look at a young boy coming to terms with his sexuality while spending a summer at a boy scout camp. Warning, this book contains bullying - homophobia, racial, and body-shaming; abusive parent; suicidal intention; sexual identity. It‘s heartfelt, powerful, hopeful, and accompanied by great illustrations that worked well. Recommend!
#MiddleGradeMarch #MiddleGradeMarchThroughTime

64 likes1 stack add
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Writeme
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

Terrific YA graphic novel. Deals with LGBTQIA issues, suicide, all the tough stuff, but so affirming that if you hang on, things will work out. Semi-autobiographical story that takes place at a boy scout camp. Recommend for adults as well as teens!

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Kenyazero
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

Aiden‘s experiences with bullies making it hard to just be himself are unfortunately not uncommon. I liked the way this book tackles tough topics without flinching. We get to see Aiden‘s personality really clearly in these pages and feel his pain. I felt like this book might make someone else going through similar things feel less lonely. Content warnings for body shaming, bullying, suicide, and homophobia. #Comic #LGBTQ #SummerCamp #Camp

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Kenyazero
Flamer | Mike Curato
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The A to Z challenge has a monthly mini challenge, which is all I have left of this challenge this year. The October prompt (new to me author) felt like cheating for me because of the way I randomly choose books. The same will happen with November's prompt (I just won't pick fantasy because that's what I would call my "usual genre"). #ReadingChallenge #2021AToZReadingChallenge

wanderinglynn 😆😆😆 December‘s prompt — that‘s pretty much my entire TBR stack! 3y
Kenyazero @wanderinglynn Ha yeah, that prompt won't be too difficult either! 3y
18 likes2 comments
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Kenyazero
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This is what happens when you promise yourself a few books at the library, can't find them, take solace in picking other random books, and then find the books you wanted. You can't just put the random books back, that would be rude! #Library #LibraryHaul

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ShansMousey
Flamer | Mike Curato
This post contains spoilers
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Pickpick

Another great graphic novel. It follows a young boy who comes to terms with his sexuality while at his boy scout camp in the early 90s. It can be a rough read because the author does not shy away from the blatant homophobia the main character faces. I will also mention the attempted suicide at the end which can be startling for some readers but the author explained was pulled from his actual lived experience.

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vinniek
Flamer | Mike Curato
Pickpick

I wish I had this book when I was in my teens.

MarkoPDX I loved it. And like our dear Flamer, scouting was not the positive experience I hoped it to be. 4y
3 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Lauredhel
Flamer | Mike Curato
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What I'm supposed to be doing: weaving in the ends on this Harry Styles Cardigan.

What I'm actually doing: starting this graphic novel

sarahlandis Harry styles cardigan???? 😍 4y
Lauredhel @sarahlandis yup, my son wants one so I've adapted it to crochet and lighter weight yarn 4y
sarahlandis I love that! Will you post a pic of the finished result? 4y
Lauredhel @sarahlandis sure! Possibly even modelled by the recipient 4y
77 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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Lauredhel
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Today's library #bookhaul. Flamer is a graphic novel about a gay boy about to enter high school and figure himself out. Throat is a book of poetry by Mununjali Yugambeh author about what it means to be Aboriginal in a society that hasn't made it to post-colonialism yet.

64 likes1 stack add
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Nitpickyabouttrains
Flamer | Mike Curato
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A kid goes to summer camp where he is bullied but also works to figure out what he likes.

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Twocougs
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Great story to start the year. This books will certainly help some kids get through a tough time.

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BookishTrish
Flamer | Mike Curato
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An emotional look at grappling with self-acceptance and finding out who that you are is enough even when it seems like you‘re constantly being told otherwise.

47 likes1 stack add
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Soubhiville
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Pickpick

I‘m giving this a pick because I think it hits the nail on the head for boys in middle or early high school. I‘m definitely not the right audience- so I didn‘t love all the dick jokes and discussion of puberty.

It‘s a graphic novel about a queer boy who‘s about to go into high school. He‘s at scout camp, navigating self discovery, dealing with bullies, and figuring out his own sexuality.

Trigger warning for suicidal ideation.

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Soubhiville
Flamer | Mike Curato
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I picked up a free cocktail mix for a Texas Sotol Mocha, complimentary from #TexasBookFestival, #LitCrawl, Texas Monthly and Desert Door Sotol, which I‘ve never tried before. This will be the first alcohol I‘ve had since COVID started!

When I got to the TX Bookfest office to pick it up, they also had a shelf of free ARCs! I chose these 3, The Bridge for my LFL, Ring Shout and Flamer for me 😁📚. What a fun surprise!

TrishB Have they not been selling alcohol 😁😁 4y
LaraReads That is really awesome! 4y
Soubhiville @TrishB lol, right? No I generally only drink when we go out for dinner. Which we won‘t do (even though restaurants are open). I have to say it‘s pretty tasty! (edited) 4y
Eyelit That‘s awesome! 4y
Hooked_on_books Awesome! Hooray for free books! 4y
70 likes5 comments
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lowellette
Flamer | Mike Curato
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Shows how scary it was to be a gay teen in the ‘90s. An important read.

12 likes1 stack add
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licia.reads
Flamer | Mike Curato
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This book brought tears to my eyes. It is about a teen boy that is questioning his sexuality. It is for anyone that has felt ashamed of being “different”. #loveislove #lgbtq #graphicnovel