YA Romance: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

 

Whimsy & Wisdom: Review of Cemetery Boys

Book Title: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Genre/Category: Young Adult Fiction Romance
Target Age Group: 12-18 years

Plot Summary: Aiden Thomas's Cemetery Boys follows the story of Yadriel, a trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family by summoning the ghost of his murdered cousin. However, his summoning goes awry, and he accidentally summons the spirit of Julian Diaz, the school’s bad boy. Julian is not ready to move on, and Yadriel agrees to help him tie up loose ends, leading them on an unexpected journey that brings them closer together and challenges their understanding of family, identity, and love.

Justification for Title Selection: I chose Cemetery Boys because it uniquely combines elements of young adult romance with themes of cultural identity, gender identity, and the supernatural. The novel addresses the struggles and triumphs of a trans protagonist, making it an important and resonant read for the targeted age group. Aiden Thomas’s novel is a powerful example of how YA fiction can be both enlightening and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of adolescence. This makes it a perfect fit for my blog, Whimsy and Wisdom.

Format Note: I read Cemetery Boys as an ebook borrowed from the Dallas Public Library on my Kindle. The ebook format did not affect the reading experience significantly. However, the cover image displayed in black and white on the Kindle loses some of its vibrant and evocative visual appeal, which might slightly impact the initial visual impact.

Critical Evaluation:

Setting: The setting of Cemetery Boys is integral to the novel’s atmosphere and emotional depth. The story is set in a vibrant Latinx community in East Los Angeles, centering around the cemetery where Yadriel’s family, who are traditional brujos, practice their magical rites. Thomas’s detailed descriptions of the cemetery, with its rich cultural and spiritual significance, create a captivating and immersive environment. This setting not only provides a unique backdrop for the story but also symbolizes the intersection of life, death, and the supernatural, mirroring Yadriel’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Tone: Aiden Thomas’s tone in Cemetery Boys is both heartfelt and earnest, capturing the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs with authenticity and sensitivity. The narrative tone oscillates between light-hearted and humorous moments, especially in the interactions between Yadriel and Julian, to more serious and introspective passages as Yadriel confronts issues of identity, acceptance, and family expectations. This balanced tone ensures that readers remain engaged and emotionally invested in Yadriel’s journey, making the book relatable and impactful.

Theme: The central themes of Cemetery Boys include identity, acceptance, and the bonds of love and family. Yadriel’s quest to prove his gender to his family and gain their acceptance is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by transgender individuals. The novel also delves into themes of cultural heritage and the clash between tradition and modernity. Through Yadriel and Julian’s evolving relationship, Thomas explores the nuances of first love and the courage it takes to be true to oneself. These themes are woven into the narrative with sensitivity and depth, making them resonate strongly with a young adult audience.

APA Citation: 

Thomas, A. (2020). Cemetery Boys. New York, NY: Swoon Reads.