Book Review: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Sometimes there is a right time or a wrong time to read a book. Am I saying that you shouldn't read a book under the covers with a flashlight? Or that you shouldn't sneak it into your math book so you can read the last chapter? Nope!

But here is the truth. I tried to read this book several months ago. I just couldn't. It didn't feel real to me, just a bit much for my senses. I couldn't handle teen angst. I had enough of our day-to-day realism and a bit of painful mythology was too much. I put Cemetery Boys down and walked away.

It kept calling me to read it. No, not in a spooky sense, but several students recommended it. I saw it on lists of books that others had enjoyed. I heard about if from other librarians and read an inticing review. AND I finally had to give in and read it - I am glad that I did. 

This story is a romp through culture and family and community. It is a coming-of-age novel with a serious plot twist - surprising but it doesn't leave you hanging. Here you will find an urban landscape, characters of many stripes and personalities and energy levels. This story is deeply embeded in Latino culture and centers around Day of the Dead celebrations, but there is a trans main character. The story honors family including extended family. But mostly, this book is about finding one's self. 

Favorite quote: "You don't need anyone's permission to be you."

Found on the shelves of the South Library. Also you will find it in audio, ebook, and print editions through the Nashua Public Library. 
 

Book Review: Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

 

    Don't you just love this cover? Art plays a big role in this book and the cover completely fits with the story. 

    Felix Love is a transgender teen who wants to know what it is like to be in love. At the same time, he is struggling with identifying himself and questioning the "labels" that define him. He also wonders if he is worthy of love. When an anonymous person exposes his past and sends him trans-phobic messages, Felix sets up a plan to "catfish" the suspected culprit. But the results to the catfishing plan are not what he expects. Throw in anxiety about what the future holds and this story hits lots of things that many teenagers experience.

The heart of this story is about identity and self-discovery but it also includes the themes of relationships and privilege. Through a diverse cast of supporting characters, Felix's relationship with his friends and family also play a big role in how he evolves throughout the story. The author did a fantastic job of capturing the yearning for acceptance and the longing for love. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a glimpse into what it is like to be a trans-gender teen. Beyond that, I think anyone who enjoys stories about teen relationships - love, family and friends - would also enjoy this story.

Felix Ever After is available in the South library and with your Nashua Public Library card in audiobook and ebook format. It is also currently on the long list for the Flume Award - the NH teen reader's choice award.