43 pages • 1 hour read
Mike CuratoFlamer
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Flamer by Mike Curato follows 14-year-old Aiden Navarro as he navigates bullying, racial identity, and the realization that he is gay during the final weeks of Boy Scouts summer camp in 1995. Set against a backdrop of systemic discrimination, Aiden grapples with self-acceptance and the challenges of growing up as someone deemed “other,” while forming bonds with his peers and confronting internal and external conflicts. The text contains references to suicidal ideation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Flamer by Mike Curato is a compelling graphic novel praised for its heartfelt storytelling and vivid illustrations that effectively capture the struggles of adolescence, identity, and self-acceptance. While the book receives accolades for its honesty and emotional depth, some critics note its intense themes might be overwhelming for younger readers. Overall, it stands as a powerful narrative with strong visual impact.
Who Should Read Flamer?
Readers who would enjoy Mike Curato's Flamer are typically teens and young adults navigating their identities, especially those who appreciated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli or Drama by Raina Telgemeier. This book tackles themes of self-discovery, bullying, and coming-of-age with a poignant, relatable narrative in a graphic novel format.