Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas was supposed to come out in June, but the release date got pushed back to September due to COVID-19. Quite honestly, the new fall release date fits the story almost perfectly; it has the ultimate fall/October vibes. But being such an anticipated release has left a lot of people (including many of us in the youth services department at my library) anxiously waiting for this hyped book. So you might need some books to read while you wait!
I was lucky enough to get an early e-copy of the book, and you can read my review here. If you’re desperately trying to find some books to fill the time before its release date on September 1st, here are some great books to read to tide you over.
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Books to Read While Waiting for Cemetery Boys
The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag
In Aster’s family, the girls are witches and the boys are shapeshifters. Anyone who crosses that line is exiled from the family forever. But Aster hasn’t shifted yet. And witchcraft becomes more appealing day after day. However, when the other boys in the family are being threatened, Aster’s witchcraft might be the only thing that can save them. With similar gendered magic roles, Cemetery Boys gave me similar vibes to this book. Without the ghost love story. This graphic novel has three volumes, which might just be enough to get you to September first!
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix Love has never been in love. He’s afraid that he’s too in the margins: Black, transgender, and gay. When he starts to get transphobic messages online, he decides to enact a plot for revenge involving catfishing. One that leads him into a complex love triangle. While this doesn’t have the witchcraft vibes, it’s one of the rare YA books about a male transgender character. If those complex teen relationships are what you’re waiting for, definitely check this one out! The audiobook is also an excellent listen.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
In the 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, every girl is forced to go to the annual ball to find a husband. Those that don’t after three tries mysteriously disappear. Since Sophia would rather marry Erin, she decides to run away on the day of the ball. When she does, she meets Constance, the last descendent of Cinderella herself. Together, the two vow to stop the king once and for all. A unique re-telling of the Cinderella story with a queer love interest, this will fulfill all the fantasy vibes while awaiting Cemetery Boys.
Tigers, Not Daughters by Samantha Mabry
A year after their sister Ana’s death, strange things start happening in the Torres’ house. Mysterious laughter, shadows, and even writing on the walls. It seems like Ana is haunting their house. In order to get it to stop, the sisters have to figure out why. If the ghosts are what have you excited for Cemetery Boys, this ghostly mystery is sure to fit every ghostly whim until September. And hit all those magical realism vibes!
Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
In the year 1518, a sickness sweeps through Strasbourg making women dance uncontrollably and witchcraft is to blame. Meaning that many blame Laviana and her family. Laviana has to do whatever she can to save them. Five centuries later, Rosella puts on shoes that make her dance uncontrollably. The only person who can help her is Emil, whose family was blamed for the fever 500 years ago. Another fairy tale retelling with magic, queer characters, and important family history. Feel all the witchcraft vibes to tide you over for Yadriel’s brujo magic.
I so need to read Dark and Deepest Red! The Witch Boy sounds really interesting? I’m definitely adding that to my tbr and seeing if I can read it!
Yay! It’s one of my favorite graphic novels from the past year. 😊