Cemetery Boys

Aiden Thomas

Full starFull starFull starFull starHalf star
4.5(2 Ratings)
Left wheat earsGoodreads Choice AwardsRight wheat ears
Left wheat earsBarnes & Noble BestsellersRight wheat ears
3 Months Free TrialArrow right
Clock67 Min Reading Time
MicrophoneAudio Version Available
cover backgroundCemetery Boys

About this book

In Aiden Thomas's groundbreaking paranormal YA debut, Cemetery Boys, Yadriel, a trans boy determined to prove himself a brujo to his traditional Latinx family, accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Instead of his murdered cousin, he finds himself face-to-face with Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, who refuses to cross over.

Julian is determined to uncover the truth behind his death, and Yadriel, bound by his magic, agrees to help. But as they delve deeper into the mysteries of Julian's past, Yadriel finds himself falling for the infuriating ghost. Torn between his desire to be accepted by his family and his growing feelings for Julian, Yadriel must decide what truly matters most in this vibrant, heartfelt, and unforgettable story about identity, love, and what it means to truly belong.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Embracing Identity: Yadriel's Journey as a Trans Brujo

    Yadriel's journey to acceptance as a brujo is central to the novel. Born a trans boy in a traditional Latinx family, he faces skepticism and resistance when he tries to prove himself capable of performing brujo magic. This struggle highlights the challenges of navigating cultural expectations and gender identity. Yadriel's determination to embrace his true self and demonstrate his magical abilities drives the plot and underscores the importance of self-acceptance and perseverance in the face of adversity. The novel portrays his internal and external battles with sensitivity, celebrating his resilience and courage.

  • Family and Tradition: Bridging Generational Divides

    The book explores the complex dynamics within Yadriel's Latinx family, where tradition clashes with evolving views on gender identity. The older generation struggles to understand and accept Yadriel's identity, leading to conflict and emotional distress. However, the novel also showcases the potential for growth and acceptance within families. As Yadriel proves his abilities and demonstrates his love and loyalty, some family members begin to reconsider their beliefs. This theme emphasizes the importance of open communication, empathy, and the power of love to bridge divides within families.

  • The Power of Found Family

    The concept of 'found family' is a significant theme, offering Yadriel a support system beyond his biological relatives. Julian and Maritza provide unwavering friendship and acceptance, creating a safe space where Yadriel can be himself. These bonds highlight the importance of chosen relationships in providing love, support, and a sense of belonging, especially when facing challenges with one's family of origin. The strength and loyalty within Yadriel's found family demonstrate the resilience and power of human connection.

  • Love Beyond Boundaries: A Queer Romance

    The unexpected connection between Yadriel and Julian, a ghost he accidentally summons, evolves into a tender and heartwarming romance. This relationship challenges conventional notions of love and acceptance, showcasing the beauty of connection that transcends physical form and societal expectations. Their bond emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond appearances and embracing love in its various forms. The slow-burn romance adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, making it a celebration of queer love and identity.

  • Celebrating Latinx Culture and Día de los Muertos

    The narrative intricately weaves in elements of Latinx culture and traditions, particularly the celebration of Día de los Muertos. This provides a vibrant backdrop to the story, immersing readers in the rich cultural heritage of Yadriel's community. The novel respectfully portrays the spiritual beliefs, rituals, and customs associated with the holiday, offering insight into the importance of honoring ancestors and maintaining cultural identity. The inclusion of these elements adds authenticity and depth to the narrative, celebrating the beauty and resilience of Latinx culture.

  • Confronting Transphobia and Prejudice

    Throughout the story, Yadriel confronts prejudice and transphobia from both within and outside his family. These experiences highlight the real-world challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of allyship and advocacy. The novel does not shy away from depicting the pain and emotional toll of discrimination, but it also emphasizes the resilience and strength of the trans community. By portraying these struggles, the book promotes understanding, empathy, and the need for greater acceptance and inclusion.

  • Unraveling the Mystery of Julian's Death

    The mystery surrounding Julian's death and the subsequent investigation drives a significant portion of the plot. Yadriel's determination to help Julian find peace and uncover the truth behind his demise reveals his compassion and unwavering loyalty. This element of the story adds suspense and intrigue, while also exploring themes of justice, closure, and the importance of honoring the deceased. Yadriel's efforts to solve the mystery demonstrate his resourcefulness and bravery.

Chapter Recap

Chapter OneYadriel, accompanied by his cousin Maritza, sneaks into the brujx church, a space forbidden to him without the express permission of his father and the brujx council. Aiden Thomas reveals that Yadriel intends to perform a forbidden rite in front of Lady Death, the sacred goddess, to prove himself as
Read MoreArrow right

About The Author

Aiden Thomas

Main Quotes

"But belonging meant denying who he was. Living as something he wasn't had nearly torn him part from the inside out. But he also loved his family, and his community. It was bad enough being an outsider; what would happen if they just couldn’t--or wouldn’t--accept him for who he was?"

"Brujx didn't need to see a spirit to know one was nearby. The men and women in their community could sense it, like a chill in the air or an itch at the back of their necks."

"You know who you are, I know who you are, and our Lady does, too. So screw the rest of them!"

"May we never fear death but remember we live on in the love we nurture in our time on earth."

"Three beats passed before Julian's eyes suddenly went wide. “I died, didn't I?” The fierceness was gone, leaving his voice small and weak. “Am I dead?”"

"The dead were never truly gone. They lingered in the shadows, in the flickering lights, in the whispers of the wind."

"Ghosts are just souls who haven't moved on."

"It's being in love with someone who doesn't love you back."

"He was tired of being a disappointment."

"He wasn't like the other boys in his family."

Who Should Read This Book

Young adults (ages 13-19)

LGBTQ+ young adults, especially transgender and gay teens

Readers interested in Latinx culture and representation

Fans of fantasy novels with romance elements

Readers looking for stories about identity, acceptance, and family

People who enjoy stories featuring paranormal themes and ghosts

Those seeking diverse and inclusive literature

Book Summaries Like

Cemetery Boys
cover backgroundLightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

Lightlark (The Lightlark Saga Book 1)

Alex Aster

Welcome to Lightlark, the mesmerizing island that emerges once a century to host the Centennial—a deadly game where the rulers of six cursed realms fight for their survival. For centuries, their realms have been plagued by unique and wicked curses, and the Centennial is their last chance to break free. But the price of freedom is steep: one ruler must die.

Isla Crown, the young and cunning ruler of Wildling, carries the weight of her realm's curse—her people, temptresses doomed to kill those they love. Feared and despised, they look to Isla to end their suffering by succeeding in the Centennial. To survive, Isla must master the art of deception, betrayal, and strategic alliances. But as she navigates the treacherous games, she discovers hidden secrets and forbidden desires that threaten to shatter everything she thought she knew. In a world where love is a deadly weapon, Isla must decide if she's willing to sacrifice her heart to save her people, or risk dooming them all.

Dive into a world of dark secrets, pulse-pounding romance, and deadly twists in this #BookTok sensation from Alex Aster, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Marie Lu.

cover backgroundThe Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)

Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Sargent is warned that if she kisses her true love, he will die. She never thought this would be a problem, as she doesn't see ghosts or have any psychic abilities like the rest of her family. But every year, she stands beside her clairvoyant mother on St. Mark’s Eve and watches the soon-to-be dead walk past.

This year, however, is different. Blue sees a boy, a Raven Boy. His name is Gansey, and he's rich, intelligent, and searching for a lost Welsh king. Drawn to Gansey and his quest, Blue becomes entangled with him and his friends: Adam, who struggles with poverty and a fierce determination to make it on his own; Ronan, whose temper hides a secret; and Noah, the quiet observer.

As their search for Glendower intensifies, dangerous secrets begin to surface. Blue is certain that she is falling in love with Gansey, but what will she do when she remembers the warning? Can Blue find a way to change fate, or is she doomed to be the kiss of death?

Enter a world of ley lines, ancient magic, and dangerous love in the first book of Maggie Stiefvater's mesmerizing Raven Cycle.

cover backgroundSomewhere Beyond the Sea

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

TJ Klune

In a world that fears what it doesn't understand, the merfolk live a sequestered life in the depths of the ocean. But for Alex, a young trans merman, the surface world holds an irresistible allure. When a violent storm brings a human boy named Ben crashing into his life, Alex finds himself drawn to the possibilities shimmering just beyond the waves.

Their connection sparks a forbidden love, one that challenges the rigid beliefs of both their societies. As whispers of their relationship reach the oppressive Department of Coastal Observation and Management of the Youth (DICOMY), Alex and Ben must fight for their right to exist, to love, and to build a future where differences are celebrated, not feared.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a heartwarming and poignant tale of resistance, acceptance, and the enduring power of love in the face of prejudice. Dive into a world where found family triumphs, self-discovery blossoms, and the bravest thing you can be is yourself.

cover backgroundThe Golden Compass

The Golden Compass

Philip Pullman, Stéphane Melchior-Durand

In a world where every human soul takes the form of an animal companion called a dæmon, young Lyra Belacqua's carefree life at Oxford's Jordan College is shattered by shadows of a looming war. Her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, returns from the Arctic with tales of a mysterious Dust and a city shimmering in the Northern Lights, sparking a dangerous quest for answers.

When children begin to vanish, snatched away by the monstrous Gobblers, Lyra embarks on a perilous journey to the icy North to rescue her kidnapped friend, Roger. Guided by a truth-telling golden compass, she finds herself entangled with armored bears, powerful witches, and a glamorous, enigmatic woman named Mrs. Coulter.

But as Lyra races closer to the truth, she discovers a sinister conspiracy involving experiments that sever the bond between humans and their dæmons. To save the children and unravel the mysteries of Dust, Lyra must confront formidable forces and make impossible choices that will determine the fate of not just her world, but countless others.

FAQ