Flamer

posted on September 25, 2024 by Eve Panzer

Flamer by Mike Curato BUY NOW!

Number of challenges: 67

Click here for links to all resources

BOOK SYNOPSIS
Award-winning author and artist Mike Curato draws on his own experiences in Flamer, his debut graphic novel,
telling a difficult story with humor, compassion, and love.
I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying
something or saying something dumb or both.
I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel . . . unsafe.
It’s the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone’s going
through changes—but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends
time with Elias (a boy he can’t stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.
REVIEWS AND PRAISE
“This book will save lives.” —Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of National Book Award Finalist Hey, Kiddo
“[Mike Curato] knows [boys] like Judy Blume knows a teenaged girl, and that’s quite a bit.” —NPR
★ “This is a story that will be read and reread, and for some, it will be the defining book of their adolescence.” —
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Masterfully nuanced and stunningly told, this is visual storytelling at its finest.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “Curato has created a beautiful story of a teen who must decide if he will force himself into the mold of what
he thinks a “normal” boy is, or if he can allow himself to live life on his own terms. An essential book that shows
readers that they are never alone in their struggles.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Cleverly inked and masterfully told . . . . Both heartbreaking and joyous, Flamer acknowledges the brutal
weight of hatred, yet inspires the courage to live.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “I wish I had had this book fifty years ago.” —The Horn Book, starred review
“Emotional and raw.” —Publishers Weekly
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
● Lambda Literary Awards – Winner
● YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens List
● ALA Rainbow Reading List
● Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
● School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
● Horn Book Fanfare List
● NPR Best Book of the Year
● New York Public Library Best Books of the Year
● Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year
● New Jersey Library Association Teen Book Award List
● Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Honor Book
● Texas Library Association Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List
● Massachusetts Book Award Winner
● SCBWI Golden Kite Award Honor
● Project Lit Book Club Selection
● U Penn Graduate School of Education Best Books of the Year
● Cooperative Children’s Book Center Reading List
● The Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature Best Book of the Year
● The Nerdies Honoree
● Connecticut Nutmeg Honoree
MEDIA AND RESOURCES
● Discussion Guide
● PEN America Author Interview
● WNYC Author Interview
● Kirkus Reviews Interview
● Boston Globe Interview
● Mike Curato Blog Post

RESPONSE TO CHALLENGES
Wentzville School District: The book is relatable to many teenagers, the targeted audience, in that many and all
go through many of the same struggles that the main character goes through in this book. From self-esteem,
sexuality, peer pressure, bullying and issues and at home, we see the struggles he has and can put ourselves in
their shoes and relate. Knowing there is a positive outcome in the end shows to others relating to these struggles
that there is hope and we can get through it.
Updated 1.10.2024
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Contact mary.vanakin@macmillan.com
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Statement of Support: Flamer is an award-winning graphic novel that tells the
story of Aiden Navarro “as he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can’t
stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.” This graphic novel is just one of
many books currently being challenged for relaying a story from one of the LGBTQ+ perspectives.
As with many challenges targeting LGBTQ+ graphic novels, those surrounding Flamer falsely accuse the book of
being pornography or containing explicit sexual images. In 2022, a parent from Katy ISD filed a criminal complaint
that the district was providing material harmful to minors. Though the claim was found unsubstantiated, the book
was removed from the shelves and relocated to the police department, where it could be processed. This
challenge demonstrates the growing trend of citizens attempting to ignore the proper review process and
intimidate educators, librarians, and administrators. Flamer has been challenged across the country and was
included on the “Krause List” as a book to remove.
Eanes Westlake School District (Austin, TX): The decision was made to keep this book in the middle school libraries
with a Young Adult (YA) label that will allow 8th grade parents to opt out of the book and 6th and 7th grade
parents to opt into the book beginning in the 2023-24 school year. As early as elementary school, some of our
students begin to question their sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ students deserve to have access to books about their
fears, struggles and inner turmoil about life, friendship, love and identity just like any hetero normative child. Due
to some of the content and themes and the fact that the book contains profanity, sexual references and suicidal
ideation, it may not be suited or of interest for all middle school students, including younger middle school
students.
Westport Connecticut Rationale: Place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice; be
appropriate to the varied interests, abilities, and levels of maturity of students in form, structure, and content; be
based upon critical review in educational and professional journals, in current periodicals, or through professional
analysis.
*A NOTE ON AGE RANGES
A publisher-suggested age range covers the gamut of readers that publishers envision using the book, whether for
independent reading, family sharing, group study, or in other ways. Educators have the best sense of the
appropriate age range for the diverse learners they work with and understand these ranges vary depending on a
book’s intended use.

Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

-Sharon M., Parent

Faced with the wealth of incredible books available for children, many educators can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing titles for the classroom. If you’re a teacher who doesn’t want to resort to the dartboard method, the Barefoot Librarian is your new best friend!

-Audrey Linter, Blogger, Little Pickle Press

“Eve Panzer and her site The Barefoot Librarian is every author’s friend. Her thorough reviews inform readers just how and why a book makes the perfect fit. Reviews are important so people understand whether a potential read will be successful and with reviews like The Barefoot Librarian help make those selections a success!”

-Carole P. Roman, award-winning author

“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

-Sarah Cullen, Author of Nellie the Narwhal and Director Majestic Whale Encounters

Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

-Shirin Shamsi, author of Laila and the Sands of Time and the Barefoot Books title Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story which received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

-Hannah Thelen (she/her/hers), Editorial and Production Director Women In Botany (Science Wide Open series) by Mary Wissinger, Published by Science Naturally!