Cemetery Boys

📘 About This Book

Longlisted for the National Book Award! A New York Times Bestseller! A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten pick! “Goundbreaking.” –Entertainment Weekly A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas's New York Times-bestselling paranormal romance, perfect for spooky season. 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. "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." —Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift and co-author of The Sun and the Star

📖 Summary

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a captivating young adult paranormal romance that immediately draws readers into a rich, vibrant supernatural world grounded in traditional Latinx culture and modern identity struggles. The story follows Yadriel, a young transgender boy belonging to a traditional Latinx community of brujos and brujas. For Yadriel's family, the magical roles are strictly divided, and their difficulty in accepting his true gender leaves Yadriel feeling isolated and desperate to prove himself. He needs to show his family that he is a real brujo, fully capable of performing the sacred rites that bridge the living world and the spirit realm. Determined to take matters into his own hands, Yadriel enlists the help of his fierce cousin and best friend, Maritza. Together, they bypass the traditional gatekeepers and perform a dangerous secret ritual. Yadriel's original goal is clear: he wants to find the spirit of his murdered cousin, guide him safely to the other side, and finally earn the recognition and respect of his family. However, magic is rarely predictable, and the ritual goes awry in the most unexpected way. Instead of his cousin, Yadriel inadvertently summons Julian Diaz, the resident bad boy of their high school who has recently met a tragic end. To make matters even more complicated, Julian is not just any ordinary ghost. He refuses to leave Yadriel's side, full of restless energy, unresolved questions about his own murder, and a stubborn personality that clashes immediately with Yadriel's cautious nature. As Yadriel and Julian are forced to spend time together to unravel the mystery surrounding Julian's untimely death, the dynamic between the living brujo and the deceased teenager begins to shift. What starts as an inconvenient haunting gradually transforms into an undeniable connection, blending elements of high-stakes mystery with a tender, slow-burn paranormal romance. Through their joint investigation into the dangerous secrets hidden within their community, Yadriel must confront not only external threats and dark magical forces, but also his own internal fears about belonging, acceptance, and love. Aiden Thomas crafts a narrative that is both an exciting supernatural thriller and a deeply moving exploration of self-discovery, familial expectations, and identity. The novel addresses heavy themes of grief, prejudice, and gender affirmation with immense heart, humor, and authenticity. As Yadriel navigates the complexities of the spirit world, he also learns profound lessons about the true meaning of family, finding where he belongs, and embracing every part of who he is. Cemetery Boys stands out as a groundbreaking addition to young adult literature, offering an unforgettable protagonist and a fresh, inclusive take on magical realism and spooky season storytelling.

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