Synopsis
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.
From: Macmillan
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title is a multiracial (white and Filipino) teen. His mother is shown to suffer from depression.
A sequence of domestic violence is shown, as is a scene where a character contemplates self-harm or suicide. Homophobic language and actions are depicted throughout.
Awards
NPR Best Books of 2020
2021 Golden Kite Award Honor Illustrated Book for Older Readers
Kirkus Reviews Best Graphic YA Books of 2020
School Library Journal Best Graphic Novels of 2020
The Horn Book Fanfare 2020 Booklist
Reviews
“[T]he true star of this book is the writing, which describes a boy who could live in any decade on his journey of self-discovery. This is a story that will be read and reread, and for some, it will be the defining book of their adolescence.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Before transitioning from a private Catholic middle school to a public high school, Aiden Navarro, 14, wants to enjoy Boy Scout summer camp. As in school, however, Aiden can’t escape the things he’s so often been bullied for: his weight, his Filipino heritage, and his effeminate voice.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
Kirkus: “Scout Camping With Mike Curato“