Banned Book: Flamer

Mike Curato’s award-winning graphic novel Flamer is included on a list of books banned from every public school in Greenville, South Carolina.

Cover of Flamer, via Curato’s website.

Before I read Flamer, I was struck by a quote from Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of Hey, Kiddo, included on the cover: “This book will save lives.”

That’s a big claim, but research from organizations like the Trevor Project has supported the idea that making students feel included saves lives: “LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities.”

This article is free courtesy of the Center for Educator Wellness and Learning.

Aiden Navarro, the main character, is never explicitly labeled as gay, but it is clear that he is struggling with romantic feelings for his friend Elias, feelings which conflict with his understanding of his Catholic upbringing, and with the frequently homophobic lan…