Mike Curato's semi-autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Aiden, who has to deal with a scouting trip the summer before he heads to a new high school. Just leaving middle school, not being good at sports, not having the "ideal" build, and being of mixed race, he is teased by the other boys, some more cruelly than others. Some try to give him "advice" that is still shaming. Aiden is trying to find his identity and Curato uses the symbolism of fire to help Aiden discover who he is. I related to Aiden for obvious reasons, not the least of which was his struggle to be "normal." I remember my days of feeling different and "othered" and dealing with comments that were maybe meant to be helpful but were actually harmful. I try to watch out for those kinds of comments when it comes to my students as well. I left the book a little teary-eyed and feeling a flicker of Curato's fire inside. I think this book is honest and addresses issues that young people (especially young queer people) tend to deal with. It reminds me a little bit of a queer Then Again, Maybe I Won't and Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.
4.75/5
4.75/5
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