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Flamer by Mike Curato
3.0

Aiden has a rough home life, and has been constantly teased at his Catholic elementary school, but he finds a rhythm and a group of friends in the Boy Scouts. It's the summer before his first year of high school and he's afraid of standing out and getting targeted by even larger bullies. He's short, pudgy, Filipino and deeply closeted. At summer camp he wrestles with name-calling and a crush he won't admit. But he also digs down and finds a growing well of self-confidence and the ability to stand up for himself. I personally have a hard time relating to queer stories with strong religious themes, but I'm really glad to see this book out in the world. The artwork is simple and effective, with some really beautiful double page spreads.