Flamer is everything I was told it would be and more. Be aware, this book has dark themes and shares without censoring what it is like to be closeted, depressed, and suicidal. This biofiction is brimming with heart and sincerity, and I hope you'll give it a read after looking at content warnings. 

Aiden Navarro is in the year between middle and high school, struggling with his self image, and spending the summer at Boy Scout camp. Many of the boys call him a flamer (and worse), but Aiden thinks he can't possibly be gay. Gay boys like boys, and he can't stand how mean and insensitive boys are. Never shying away from the cruelty that adolescents can demonstrate and the LGBT discrimination common in Boy Scouts at the time, Flamer shows us just how dark this time was for Aiden and how he comes out the other side. 

Artistically, the illustrations match the tone of the exposition so well. Most of the book is in black and white, and color is used almost exclusively to show flames and fire- with significant visual and emotional impact. This book is an absolute gem, so do yourself a favor and give it a read if you are ready for the emotional impact.