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TL;DR: Yadriel, a trans boy from a Latinx brujx family, wants to prove himself as a brujo by summoning the ghost of his murdered cousin. Instead, he accidentally summons Julian Diaz, a bad-boy ghost who does not know how he died. They work together to solve the mystery.
Table of Contents
Cemetery Boys at a Glance
| Author | Aiden Thomas |
| First published | 2020 |
| Type | Young adult fantasy |
| Best for | readers who like warm paranormal romance |
Cemetery Boys is a novel by Aiden Thomas, first published in 2020. The novel was a bestseller and a Lambda Literary award winner. It draws on Latinx traditions like Dia de los Muertos. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains death and some transphobia.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A boy's desire
Yadriel wants to be accepted.
The ritual
He tries to summon a spirit and gets Julian.
The mystery
They search for Julian's killer.
Friendship
Their bond grows.
Danger
They face a threat.
Resolution
The ending is hopeful.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| A boy's desire | Yadriel wants to be accepted. |
| The ritual | He tries to summon a spirit and gets Julian. |
| The mystery | They search for Julian's killer. |
| Friendship | Their bond grows. |
| Danger | They face a threat. |
| Resolution | The ending is hopeful. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Acceptance can be earned and given.
- Family can learn.
- Love can cross worlds.
- Identity is valid.
- Courage includes being seen.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The tone is warm.
- The culture is central.
- The romance is sweet.
Who Should Read Cemetery Boys?
Read it if you like YA fantasy. It is affirming.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Cemetery Boys:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (2020)
- Type: Young adult fantasy
- Best for: readers who like warm paranormal romance
- Main idea in one line: Acceptance can be earned and given.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Cemetery Boys is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Cemetery Boys, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas: Thomas's second novel
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz: a friendship and love story
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: a warm fantasy
Related: 15 Books Like Cemetery Boys You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cemetery Boys a romance?
Yes, with fantasy.
Who wrote it?
Aiden Thomas.
What age is it for?
Roughly 13 and up.
Is Cemetery Boys worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like warm paranormal romance. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Cemetery Boys?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Cemetery Boys?
Cemetery Boys returns again and again to a few big ideas. Acceptance can be earned and given. Family can learn. Love can cross worlds. Identity is valid. Courage includes being seen. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.