Cemetery Boys (Cemetery Boys, 1)

A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas's paranormal YA debut Cemetery Boys. Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him.When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift

"This stunning debut novel from Thomas is detailed, heart-rending, and immensely romantic. I was bawling by the end of it, but not from sadness: I just felt so incredibly happy that this queer Latinx adventure will get to be read by other kids. Cemetery Boys is necessary: for trans kids, for queer kids, for those in the Latinx community who need to see themselves on the page. Don’t miss this book."

Booklist, starred review

"Aiden Thomas' debut novel can't help but charm and captivate readers of all ages, though teen readers will invariably identify with and appreciate the high jinks and emotional vulnerability that make each character and scenario deliciously enchanting."

Mason Deaver, author of I Wish You All The Best

"This book is magical, tender, loving, and so so so important. I love it with all my heart."

TeenVogue.com

"The novel perfectly balances the vibrant, energetic Latinx culture while delving into heavy topics like LGBTQ+ acceptance, deportation, colonization, and racism within authoritative establishments."

Isabel Sterling, author of These Witches Don't Burn

"Cemetery Boys is a celebration of culture and identity that will captivate readers with its richly detailed world, earnest romance, and thrilling supernatural mystery. This delightful debut is a must-read for all paranormal romance fans."

Publishers Weekly, starred review

" Thomas marries concept and execution in a romantic mystery as poignant as it is spellbinding, weaved in a mosaic of culture, acceptance, and identity, where intricately crafted characters are the pieces and love―platonic, romantic, familial, and communal―is the glue."

C.B. Lee, author of Not Your Sidekick

"Cemetery Boys is nothing short of an astonishing work of art. Aiden Thomas masterfully weaves a tale of family, friendships, and love in a heartwarming adventure full of affirmation and being your best self."

Kirkus

"A gay, transgender brujo with burgeoning powers seeks answers about his cousin’s death... Both the romance and mystery burn slow and hot until the climax... Their romance provides joyful, ground-breaking representation for gay, transgender boys. Heart-pounding."

Kayla Ancrum, author of The Wicker King

"A story much bigger than the paper that binds it, Cemetery Boys is the tender intricacy we have all been waiting for."

Buzzfeed

"Speaking from experience, this is the kind of book that you read and then immediately go force all your friends to read so they can share the pleasure."

Paste

"A wildly memorable novel."

Bitch Media

"Magical, swoonworthy, and utterly charming."

TOR.com

"This one is just what your heart needs right now."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Thomas sensitively navigates Yadriel’s struggles as a trans teen, from the insecurity of not wearing his binder at night around Julian, to deadnaming by family members, to the emotional burden of constantly forgiving people who misgender him. In spite of some heavy themes, this is a pleasing ghost-story-turned-romcom ... Readers wary of tragic endings can relax―there’s a well-deserved happy ending in store for this ghost boy and brujo."

Horn Book

"Packed with eerie adventure, tingly romance, and family drama, the novel lays bare the tension between upholding tradition and reaching full self-acceptance. Cheeky, relatable characters bring humor and lightness into Thomas’s debut, which also takes on themes of death, loss, abandonment, and rejection."

About the Author

Aiden Thomas is a trans, Latinx, New York Times Bestselling Author with an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. Originally from Oakland, California, they now make their home in Portland, OR. Aiden is notorious for not being able to guess the endings of books and movies, and organizes their bookshelves by color. Their books include Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods.

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