book

CEMETERY BOYS

Name: CEMETERY BOYS
Author: Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas

A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature teens because of death, ghosts, grief, family rejection, bullying, fantasy danger, and romantic themes, while sexual content is limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Death of a character4/5
Religious themes4/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience5/5
Diverse representation5/5
Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5

Why this rating?

Central theme involves a murder mystery, the death of a cousin, and the protagonist's interaction with the spirit of a deceased peer.

Graphic injury2/5

Why this rating?

Some death-related or supernatural injury imagery may occur, but graphic blood and bodily detail are not central.

Strong language2/5

Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing and common teen colloquialisms.

LGBTQIA characters5/5

Why this rating?

The protagonist is trans, and the story features queer romance and themes of gender identity and acceptance.

Religious themes4/5

Why this rating?

Deeply embedded in cultural religious and spiritual practices of Latinx brujeria/spiritual traditions.

Romance3/5

Why this rating?

A central, heartfelt romantic relationship develops between the two male leads.

Frightening scenes3/5

Why this rating?

Ghosts, death, spirits, danger, and tense supernatural situations create a moderately spooky atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity1/5

Why this rating?

Contains brief, mild instances of romantic affection appropriate for the young adult genre.

Alcohol or drugs1/5

Why this rating?

Minor references to teen parties or casual use, not glamorized.

Violence3/5

Why this rating?

Includes supernatural action, altercations, and physical danger associated with ghosts and gang-related mysteries.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5

Why this rating?

High emphasis on moral courage to stand up to family and societal expectations.

Creativity & curiosity4/5

Why this rating?

The inventive urban-fantasy world, spirit summoning, cultural magic, and problem-solving strongly encourage imagination.

Diverse representation5/5

Why this rating?

Features a strong, diverse cast focusing on Latinx identity and queer experiences.

Educational value2/5

Why this rating?

It offers cultural and identity context about Latinx family traditions and brujería, but its primary purpose is storytelling rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5

Why this rating?

Empathy and kindness between the protagonists is central to the emotional narrative.

Positive messages5/5

Why this rating?

Promotes acceptance, authenticity, loyalty, and the importance of choosing one's own path.

Good role models4/5

Why this rating?

Yadriel and supportive peers show persistence, loyalty, compassion, and integrity, though characters also make emotionally difficult mistakes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
Which choice in CEMETERY BOYS would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in CEMETERY BOYS, and what caused that change?

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