Pedro & Daniel

In this luminous semi-autobiographical debut, told across five parts starting in the late 1960s, Erebia shares interconnected stories that render fictionalized versions of himself and his younger brother. While Mexican American Pedro is technically older than Daniel, the brothers are "very much alike, as if they are twins born fifteen months apart." Though they live with three sisters and an older brother, Pedro and Daniel endure the brunt of their mother's physical and verbal abuse, as she singles both out for their refusal to play sports ("Mom says all her boys must like sports.... There will be no exceptions!"). She disparages Pedro in particular for inheriting his father's darker skin tone. Erebia mixes the brothers' illuminating alternating third-person POVs with perspectives of adults throughout their community to present a layered, thoroughly riveting telling that follows Pedro and Daniel from 1968 toddlerhood to young adulthood in 1992. As the pair chase their respective dreams of being a priest and a doctor, navigate suicidal ideation, and combat discrimination based on colorism, neurodivergence, race, sexuality, and terminal illness, Erebia deftly weaves together the boys' everyday joys with the seriousness of their situations, presenting a clear portrait of two brothers' fierce love that is by turns uplifting and heart-wrenching. Emotive illustrations by Kwon (Peter Lee's Notes from the Field) appear throughout. Ages 12-up. (June)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Stunning.

A powerful coming-of-age story, Erebia's debut is a title that is unforgettable.

[STAR] "Pedro and Daniel's journey, whether together or apart, is an unforgettable one of resilience and, most of all, love. Stunning."

- Kirkus Reviews (starred)

[STAR] "Luminous...a layered, thoroughly riveting telling...Erebia deftly weaves together the boys' everyday joys with the seriousness of their situations, presenting a clear portrait of two brothers' fierce love that is by turns uplifting and heart-wrenching." — Publishers Weekly (starred)
"A beautiful and raw story of two Mexican American boys trying to survive in a world where they only have each other to rely on... Readers will find themselves unable to put this book down. A powerful coming-of-age story, Erebia's debut is a title that is unforgettable." - Booklist

June's Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Books, Lambda Literary

"Shines with the depiction of connection, love, and overcoming adversity." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A multi-layered and nuanced story" — School Library Connection