Pedro & Daniel

About this book

KIRKUS BEST OF THE YEAR Pedro and Daniel are Mexican American brothers growing up in 1970s Ohio. Their mom doesn’t like that Pedro is a spitting image of their darker-skinned father, that Daniel plays with dolls, that neither of the boys love sports like the other kids in their neighborhood. Life at home can be rough – but the boys have an unshakable bond that will last their entire lives. Pedro & Daniel is a sweeping and deeply personal novel – illustrated with beautiful linework throughout by Julie Kwon – that spans from childhood to teenage years to adulthood, all the while tracing the lives of two brothers who are there for each other when no one else is. Together the brothers manage an abusive home life, school, coming out, first loves, first jobs, and the AIDS epidemic, in a coming-of-age story unlike any other. P R A I S E ★ “Pedro and Daniel’s journey, whether together or apart, is an unforgettable one of resilience and, most of all, love. Stunning.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred) ★ “Luminous. Riveting. Uplifting and heart-wrenching.” —Publishers Weekly (starred) ★ “Devastatingly beautiful.” —Shelf-Awareness (starred) “A powerful coming-of-age story that is unforgettable.” —Booklist “Artistically ambitious and unflinchingly personal…shines with the depiction of connection, love, and overcoming adversity.” —BCCB “A multi-layered and nuanced story.

Censorship history

In 2024, "Pedro & Daniel" by Federico Erebia was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over its themes of race and gender identity. Specific complaints were raised by parents and local advocacy groups, leading to school board votes that upheld the bans in some areas. The book's portrayal of non-traditional masculinity and familial dynamics sparked significant debate, reflecting ongoing tensions around representation in educational materials. As of late 2024, the book remains contested in various districts, with calls for reinstatement from supporters advocating for diverse narratives in school curricula.

Bans

Related