Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heart-wrenching, hopeful graphic novel has sex, homophobia.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As FLAMER opens, 14-year old Aiden Navarro arrives at camp with mixed feelings, eager to make new friends but suspecting he'll be subjected to homophobic bullying, just like at school. Aiden doesn't think he's gay -- or doesn't want to be gay -- but he sure is spending a lot of time thinking about Elias, his cabinmate. As Aiden struggles with his Catholic beliefs and his puzzling new feelings, Flamer turns up the heat on the characters' inner turmoil and interpersonal relationships. End pages include suicide prevention resources.
Is It Any Good?
Summer camp is familiar fodder, but this coming-of-ager is something special. Flamer delves deep into the psyche of 14-year-old Aiden Navarro, expertly tracing his struggles with self-acceptance during one memorable summer. Author/illustrator Mike Curato uses powerful black-and-white drawings to capture the action and emotions being freed or suppressed. Brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges highlight the most emotional scenes. The characters feel real, with a variety of honest motivations. This is a book that will help teen readers -- and even many adult readers -- feel seen and validated. Funny, exciting, and heartfelt, Flamer's appeal will be appreciated by generations of readers to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Aiden is bullied at school and at camp in Flamer. He's called "f-g," "f--got," "fudgepacker," and worse, which leads him to think about suicide. What helps him move past these thoughts? What can you do to help a friend who might be in an emotional crisis?
The author said he drew on his own life experiences as a teen to write this graphic novel. How did the illustrations help tell this story? What effect do the different colors used have on you as a reader?
How doe this book depict a a week at sumer camp? What kinds of activities are common there? Why are these institutions so popular with kids and parents?
What does the title mean? How have gay people been treated throughout history? What can you do to make your school or community more welcoming to queer kids?
How does Aiden demonstrate compassion, empathy, and teamwork? How do these character strengths help him at his lowest points?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mike Curato
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : September 1, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 354
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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