Sammy Fehr

Despite being a relatively short book, Flamer is a great graphic novel that delivers a powerful message about the social impacts of stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ peoples on a young queer teen. The book also contains other significant messages such as how to treat others with respect and kindness as well as the power of optimism and being yourself. These messages serve as important lessons that we could all incorporate into our lives to be more supportive and accepting of our own sexual orientation as well as that of others. Flamer follows 14 year old Aiden Navarro as he spends the summer before high school camping with his boy scout troop. He develops feelings for his best friend at camp, Elias, which results in the main conflict of the story. He is also constantly reminded that he is different as everyone points out whenever he does something “gay” such as doing something his fellow scouts perceive as feminine. These feelings build up and he starts to believe that he is alone in the world and that life isn’t worth living (he survives, don't worry). I found this aspect of the story slightly startling as I didn’t expect to see such a young character be pushed so far they wanted to die. However, given that the book is autobiographical, it is clear that this is a story based on reality, a reality that many people likely understand as they are rejected by those they love because of their sexual orientation. In the end Aiden’s belief in himself and the support of his friends make him feel comfortable being himself. While the ending is abrupt, it delivers the message effectively. It shows how to support someone in Aiden’s position as well as how to accept yourself if you are in Aiden’s position. Both of these are great messages I think we could all benefit from understanding a little better by reading this book. Also the pictures are pretty.