Young Adult Annotation
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: 9/15/2020
Number of Pages: 352
Geographical Setting: East Los Angeles
Time Period: Present Day
Plot Summary: Yadriel is no ordinary teenager. His family belongs to a long line of Brujx, making them able to heal humans, see ghosts, and help guide spirits into the afterlife. Yadriel's family has trouble accepting him transgender, and therefore will not allow him to become a brujo. That won't stop him from trying to make his family see him as he truly is. Suddenly, Yadriel and his cousin, Maritza, find themselves sneaking around their family as the upcoming Dia de los muertos celebrations are being prepared. On top of their cousin Miguel going missing, they run into another problem. Julian has recently died but might be able to help them find Miguel. As time begins to run out, Yadriel sees how much life Julian has to offer, and will do anything to keep him close just a little while longer.
Subject Headings: Transgender persons-Fiction; Witches-Fiction; Magic-Fiction; Spirits-Fiction; Latin Americans-Fiction; Family life-fiction
Appeal: There is a lot to like (love) about this book. The book is a good read that is not difficult to handle and takes you for a ride. The characterization is well done and the reader becomes invested in the relationships between Yadriel and Julian, his family, and his friends. The plot is adventuresome and sweet. The reader sees the characters grow and better understand the people around them while becoming more familiar with their own wants and needs. The story itself has so much to offer, but is also beautifully written with cultural and linguistic influences. Subtle and no-so-subtle aspects of the book (binders, hydroflasks, sexual orientations and preferences) are so relevant and relatable to teenagers today.
3 terms that best describe this book: groundbreaking; fast-paced; magical
Similar Authors and Works:
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of great things about this book. It sounds like it has detailed character development and the story is definitely one that would appeal to teenagers. Did you enjoy the book?
Abby Abbott
Hello! I really enjoyed this book. I have Mexican heritage and speak Spanish, so I loved the subtle inclusion of Spanish words and cultural influence. I have to admit it is probably the first book that I've read that had a transgender character as the protagonist, and I was so happy to see that. I would definitely recommend this book.
DeleteThis is the first I had heard of this book and I am so glad I did. The cover is interesting and the story sounds like it covers a lot of important topics in an engaging way. I have never been able to resist a little magic anyway... :D I just turned in a request to get this one added to our library!
ReplyDeleteAh that's fantastic! I am a huge fan of magical realism, so this magic was really neat. I loved the characters and am a supporter of new authors that represent characters that are diverse. The struggles that Yadriel experiences with his family is difficult to read, but is important to share. I'm looking forward to reading the author's next work!
DeleteI've heard of this book before and your annotation makes it sound very suspenseful and interesting! I like how the author combines cultural/linguistic influences with the focus on the transgender protagonist. I like how this book is considered fantasy, but still seems to cover a lot of important topics that are relevant to teens. Are Yardriel and Julian in a relationship?
ReplyDeleteIt was such a neat read because I have not read something quite like it. I've seen cultural and linguistic influence in other works, but not pertaining to characters this age. I will admit that Yadriel and Julian become friends, but you'll have to read to see how the relationship blossoms!
DeleteHi Alexandria,
ReplyDeleteThis book has been on my TBR for a while! I'm looking forward to reading it; sounds like I'm in for a treat! I just finished reading one of your read-alikes this week, so it sounds like a good match for me.
There aren't very many works (that I'm aware of, anyway) that discuss the intersectionality of the Latinx and transgender experiences. Do you think that this is easier to achieve for a YA novel than it would be for an adult novel? What, if anything, does this say about our society and the cultural shifts that are coming with the rising generation?
Thanks for sharing your annotation!
-Daniel Thurston
Hi Daniel! I am curious to know which read-alike you read and if you recommend it?
DeleteIn a Spanish class in college we read a few works about male homosexuality in Mexico City, but that was the extent of sexuality and Latinx experiences that I've seen in novels. Your two questions go hand in hand. I think of the common saying that the "children are our future" when I think of societal and cultural shifts, but I don't think works like this would be successful if it is not for those adults and teens sharing and supporting these stories today. I do think that this story in particular is easier to achieve in a YA or NA novel because it is a coming of age story. Our society has so much more growth and change to complete, but this certainly sets the stage for beginning the journey of self discovery. If we look at the characters 20 years into their future, we would be capturing a different stage in their journey, one that is perhaps beyond the essence of most YA novels. I hope to see more work from this author in particular, but wonder how many adult novels focus on transgender characters.
I've heard so many great things about this book and your well written annotation makes me want to read it even more. Full points!
ReplyDelete