In just a few days, we’ll all be able to read Cemetery Boys, the highly-anticipated YA paranormal fantasy steeped in Latinx culture about a trans brujo and the attractive ghost he summons.
I sat down with the author, Aiden Thomas, to talk about the inspiration behind Cemetery Boys, what the representation in this book means to them personally, and what they want to see more of in entertainment.
The Latinx Magic System in Cemetery Boys
One of the unique aspects of this novel is the magic system, which is based entirely in Latinx culture, and more specifically in Día de los Muertos, a holiday that has deep personal significance to Aiden.
Aiden shared how meaningful it was to write about their own culture, and to create a protagonist that shared a lot of the same important identities.
“Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas; cover art by Mars Lauderbaugh. (Credit: Swoon Reads | Macmillan)
“The truth is that there aren’t any books that I have read where I saw myself,” they said. “I’m trans, I’m Latinx, I’m queer. I have never found myself in the page of a book, let alone on TV or in a movie.”
Writing this book became a way not only to create that representation for themselves, but to give back to their community, too.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”“It was important to give myself but also my community the book that I never had.” — @aidenschmaiden” quote=”“It was important to give myself but also my community the book that I never had.””]
Creating Queer, Trans, and POC Stories
Aiden expressed how they’re hungering for more queer characters, trans characters, and characters of color — but especially characters that embody all three of these identities. They’re also excited to see more books coming out based on the folklore of various cultures.
Mere representation isn’t the only thing Aiden craves, however. While “issue” stories serve a valuable purpose, there’s a real need for narratives about marginalized characters that aren’t sob stories about the difficulties of being marginalized. Aiden wants to see more representation of marginalized characters who are “really powerful and happy.”
In Cemetery Boys, the protagonist doesn’t suffer on account of his identity. “It’s more of an adventure story where the main character just happens to be trans,” Aiden shared.
“It would just be really nice if publishing opened up more space for stories that weren’t all about someone suffering because of their identity. I would love to see more joy and hope around marginalized writers and characters and their identities.”
Watch the Entire Interview
You can find Aiden on Twitter and Instagram.
Cemetery Boys comes out September 1, and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold. Enter the pre-order campaign for a free bookplate and character cards, beautifully designed by Mars Lauderbaugh.
Image credit: Feature image designed by Brianna da Silva. Author photo by Elizabeth Stelle. Flower photo by Brian Breeden.
