There has been so much discussion and controversy around the book “Flamer,” by Mark Curato that when it became available at the Public Library I checked it out.

Let me backtrack and give you a little info about the author. During my tenure as a school librarian I had the pleasure to meet him. Not only meet him, but I got to be his transportation when he was here speaking to the Alaska Library Conference. He was lovely. He had three charming children’s books out - the “Little Elliot” series. After he did a workshop at my school, we did a little sight-seeing.
Flash forward to “Flamer.” (watch out…SPOILERS). The first I heard of it was when I was subbing at the library. As a patron checked it out he said something like, “I will read it quickly, there must be a wait list a mile long.” A statement like that always makes me curious so I noted the title and went about my business. When it became available I quickly checked it out.

At the time, this is what I knew about the book: There was a YA label on the spine so I knew the book was housed in the “teen section” of our library. I also knew that Mark himself recommended the book for ages 14+ or with adult guidance. I guess the conventional wisdom is – the intended audience should be the same age as the protagonist- so 14+ made sense. Everything seemed OK so far.

With that knowledge I started reading the book. It is a graphic novel, it went quick, maybe an hour or so total, but that didn’t matter because I was struck. It was a looong way from Little Elliot, which was charming and sweet. Unlike Elliot, “Flamer” was raw. It was hard to read, yet it was deeply moving and beautiful. It made me cry. 

AFTER I read the book I did a dive into the controversy. I watched Mark speak about this book (which reflected his own adolescent experiences). I learned that this is one of the most banned books in America (!!!) From what I can tell, most districts want it banned as pornographic. I didn’t get it. I wondered if I missed something. I went back through the book and there were no pornographic illustrations or descriptive sex scenes. Some abs, yes. Maybe half a buttock. A shower scene that didn’t really have nudity. Seriously, nothing pornographic.

Curious, I asked my husband about the book. I asked him about his camp experience. Did boys really “Masturbate in groups – as sort of a dare? or a game?” (I am sorry to be so blunt- but I think this is the key passage that critics point to and call porn.)

“Not the camps I went to.”

“Well, it must be a thing. This book is based on the author’s real-life experiences – Did the boys at your camp make fart jokes? Make jokes about hot dogs and the shaft of an arrow”

To this my husband just laughed. Of course they did!

I will be honest, the masturbation passage was uncomfortable to read, but the main character quickly removed himself from the situation. That was a strong message. What I found most jarring was the constant bullying, racism and the near-suicide. But again, I will say, this book is based on the author’s real-life experiences. If you think about the phrase, “where there is smoke there is fire,” think about it in terms of populations. If the author had these experiences, you can be damn sure many other kids have as well. And maybe an angel doesn’t save them from a suicide attempt. 

The cover says, “This book will save lives,” which at first I though might be a little dramatic and now I believe 100 percent.

In the end (Pulls out soap opera box) I really liked this book. I loved Aiden, (the main character) and his relationship with his siblings. With his spirituality. His friendships. His fears about starting a new school. His relationship with his body and his Philippine heritage. It is a true YA book!

There was a LOT more to this book than what is being targeted. It is a necessary book! Kids who are coming out whilst coming of age need to see themselves. If I am looking to see myself in a novel, I go to Ann Tyler, Ann Patchett, Kristin Hannah or any of the thousands of writers who reflect MY life experience. But who do those kids have? There is very little out there for them, and when it does show up? It gets banned?! Moved out of their section of the library and buried in the adult stacks?! 

As a former sixth grade teacher, I can tell you that if these kids WANT to read that book, it doesn’t matter where you put it, they will find it. BUT the job of a library is to make books accessible. We shouldn’t put up stumbling blocks that make it difficult for patrons to find what they are looking for! Libraries should be predictable, a patron should be able to get in, find what they are looking for, and get out quickly. It shouldn’t be any different for teens. I would go so far to say that singling out and hiding books written with a gay teen audience is prejudice. Being sent on a goose chase is insulting. 

I am so glad I read this book, I am glad that patron said something to me! It is one of the best benefits to subbing at the library!