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Other Boys

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( 1,216 ratings, 229 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Other Boys is a poignant middle grade graphic memoir by Damian Alexander that explores his experiences with bullying, grief, and self-discovery. As the new boy at school, Damian vows to stay silent to avoid teasing, but his silence only highlights his differences. Raised by his grandparents after losing his mother and with his father absent, Damian faces cruelty from peers due to his interests and identity, including a crush on another boy. This heartfelt story captures the challenges of growing up feeling isolated and different.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499

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This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This graphic memoir is ideal for middle grade readers navigating identity and social challenges, as well as educators and parents seeking to support discussions around bullying, grief, and LGBTQ+ experiences.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
In Other Boys, debut author Damian Alexander delivers a moving middle grade graphic memoir about his struggles with bullying, the death of his mother, and coming out. Damian is the new kid at school, and he has a foolproof plan to avoid the bullying that's plagued him his whole childhood: he's going to stop talking. Starting on the first day seventh grade, he won't utter a word. If he keeps his mouth shut, the bullies will have nothing to tease him about-right? But Damian's vow of silence doesn't work-his classmates can tell there's something different about him. His family doesn't look like the kind on TV: his mother is dead, his father is gone, and he's being raised by his grandparents in a low-income household. And Damian does things that boys aren't supposed do, like play with Barbies instead of GI Joe. Kids have teased him about this his whole life, especially other boys. But if boys can be so cruel, why does Damian have a crush on one?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as a "sweet, touching and at-times scary memoir of grief and loss and coming out," Other Boys has earned starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist. Reviewers highlight its honest exploration of familial loss, social isolation, and sexual identity, comparing it to acclaimed works like Flamer and Hey, Kiddo. Noted for its heartfelt storytelling, the graphic novel resonates with anyone who has faced middle school challenges or questioned gender norms.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781250222817

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 September 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: First Second

Illustration: full-color illustrations throughout

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 212.0mm

Weight: 425g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Damian Alexander is a cartoonist and storyteller who grew up in and around Boston. His first graphic novel, Other Boys, is based off his viral and award winning autobiographical webcomics. Damian's illustrations and comic shorts can be found on The Trevor Project, Narratively, The Nib and others. He loves ghost stories, miniatures, and watching cartoons with his cats on sunny afternoons.

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