Cemetery Boys
-
-
4.5 • 223 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature!
A New York Times Bestseller!
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten pick!
“Goundbreaking.” –Entertainment Weekly
Now more timely then ever, Aiden Thomas's paranormal YA romance about a Latino trans boy who accidentally summons a ghost who refuses to leave is the perfect gift for young readers everywhere.
Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him.
When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.
However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.
"This stunning debut novel from Thomas is detailed, heart-rending, and immensely romantic. I was bawling by the end of it, but not from sadness: I just felt so incredibly happy that this queer Latinx adventure will get to be read by other kids. Cemetery Boys is necessary: for trans kids, for queer kids, for those in the Latinx community who need to see themselves on the page. Don’t miss this book." —Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift and co-author of The Sun and the Star
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Thomas's vibrant YA debut, Yadriel, a gay, trans 16-year-old, is determined to prove himself, as a brujo and as a boy, to the traditional brujx cemetery community he grew up in. After being denied his quinces and initiation rite as a brujo, Yadriel takes his fate in his own hands and performs the rite himself, unlocking his magical gifts. While seeking the lost spirit of his recently murdered 28-year-old cousin, Yadriel mistakenly summons the spirit of a recently departed schoolmate named Julian. Helping Julian to cross over would prove Yadriel's worth as a brujo to his family, but as Yadriel discovers the sort of kind, protective person Julian is, Yasriel may not be able to let him go. Thomas marries concept and execution in a romantic mystery as poignant as it is spellbinding, weaved in a mosaic of culture, acceptance, and identity, where intricately crafted characters are the pieces and love platonic, romantic, familial, and communal is the glue. Though the puzzles that Yadriel unravels can be guessed, the emotional journey is worth every step. Ages 13 up.
Customer Reviews
absolutely amazing
this book made me feel seen. i’m nothing like the main character but at the same time i relate to everything he’s going through, i’m the kind of person who doesn’t cry but i found myself crying multiple times over the course of this book because finally i can truly understand what the main character is feeling. this book is also beautifully written and the plot was simply amazing, a million out of ten would read again
Beautifully Written/ Highly Recommended!
Absolutely love! The ONLY book I have been able to find in a long time that encompasses the Hispanic culture without playing into the stereotypes. Thomas
also does a very good job of balancing romance with the coming of age story. No words can truly explain how well done this book was written! I’ve already reread it multiple times!!! :)
Characters that feel like people
Loved it! Great characters. The plot was predictable but that's not a bad thing. The characters felt real, and that's what matters to me. I would give it 5 stars if there was more to the plot.