Our most anticipated debut paranormal novel of 2020 has finally arrived! This queer Latinx #ownvoices story is absolutely everything we could ever want and we’re so excited that it’s finally out in the world. And if you need more convincing that you need Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas in your life (and on your bookshelf), here’s an interview with the author.

What makes Yadriel fierce?
His fierce determination! No matter how many times Yadriel gets knocked down, he gets right back up on his feet and keeps fighting for what’s right, no matter what.

If you could give Yadriel one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Others don’t determine your worth. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.”

What's the most interesting thing you learned while researching Cemetery Boys?
While researching and reading books about Mesoamerican culture, I learned that, originally, Aztecs would make tamales, cover them in blood, and present them as offerings to their deities! 

If you'd met Yadriel as a teen, would you have been friends?
I think we would! We’re both kinda quiet and like books. There’s also this very real phenomenon of queer kids gravitating towards each other, even before they’re out. I feel like the cosmos would’ve pulled us together and we’d spend our lunch hour playing card games and sharing our favorite music.

What's one fun fact most people don't know about you?
I’m REALLY good at decorating cookies! My sister and I do Christmas cookies every year and I get really into it. My family always teases me because it takes me forever!

What's your favorite part of being an author?
Getting to write books and for people to actually read them! It’s so cool to have that opportunity to connect with folks and talk about my stories and characters. Completely surreal! 

What's the most challenging part of being an author?
Probably the vulnerability. It can be really intimidating to share my writing because, for me, they’re very personal.

If you could bring any 3 fictional YA characters to life, who would you pick?
This is hard because a lot of my favorite characters are villains so bringing them to life would be a Bad Idea! I think I’d definitely like to hang out with Howl from Howl's Moving Castle by Diane Wynne Jones, Nico di Angelo from The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, and Felix from Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.  

What 3 words would you use to describe Cemetery Boys?
Queer, Chaotic, Fun!

A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his conservative Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas's paranormal YA debut Cemetery Boys.

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can't get rid of him.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school's resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.