Synopsis
Damian is the new kid at school, and he has a foolproof plan to avoid the bullying that’s plagued him his whole childhood: he’s going to stop talking. Starting on the first day seventh grade, he won’t utter a word. If he keeps his mouth shut, the bullies will have nothing to tease him about—right?
But Damian’s vow of silence doesn’t work—his classmates can tell there’s something different about him. His family doesn’t look like the kind on TV: his mother is dead, his father is gone, and he’s being raised by his grandparents in a low-income household. And Damian does things that boys aren’t supposed do, like play with Barbies instead of GI Joe. Kids have teased him about this his whole life, especially other boys. But if boys can be so cruel, why does Damian have a crush on one?
From: Macmillan Publishers
Notes on This Title
This title frequently depicts bullying, especially normative policing of behaviors related to gender. It includes the use of homophobic language.
The main character deals with the loss of a parent resulting from murder.
The main character is in seventh grade; events from earlier in his life are also shown.
Awards
None.
Reviews
“Other Boys is earnest, funny, and the best memoir I’ve read this year to date.” (Source: AIPT)
“An excellent, important debut.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Debut graphic novelist Alexander explores his childhood as a sensitive boy starting middle school in this melancholy queer coming-of-age memoir.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
We Need Diverse Books: “Q&A With Damian Alexander, Other Boys“