Other Boys by Damian Alexander

We’re starting to see a few graphic memoirs for middle grade that are similar to Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles but feature a more diverse range of characters. In this autobiographical story, Damian Alexander talks about the struggles of his 7th grade year. Unlike the other boys, and other kids, in his new school, he’s living with his grandparents and brother and they struggle financially. He’s not interested in the things the other boys like, and is bullied and harassed relentlessly, leading him to determine to stay silent in 7th grade.

Flashbacks gradually reveal to readers the tragic death of his mom, break-up of his family, and his struggles throughout his childhood with other kids and family who harass him for liking dolls and other “girly” things.

Although there’s no happy ending, Damian ends the story by opening up to his therapist, realizing he’s gay and accepting the support of a small circle of people, and starting to make friends.

An author’s note follows the story, noting that the physical and emotional abuse he suffered was downplayed for the story and talking about how people remember things differently, and how authors create a graphic memoir and might compress or change events for the flow of the story.

Verdict: While I am sure some people will complain about the honest depiction of bullying and harassment Damian experiences, as well as the inclusion of queer and non-gender-conforming characters, this is well done and an important choice for kids to see themselves as well as think about what their classmates might be experiencing. A must-have for middle school libraries and most public library collections.

ISBN: 9781250222817; Published September 2021 by First Second; Borrowed from another library in my consortium