42 pages • 1 hour read
Kacen CallenderKing and the Dragonflies
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender follows 12-year-old Kingston James, a Black youth in a small Louisiana town, as he mourns the death of his older brother Khalid, who he imagines has turned into a dragonfly. King navigates his grief, explores his emerging gay identity, and helps his friend Sandy, who faces abuse at home. The story weaves themes of self-realization, friendship, and family. Depicts incidents of homophobia and child abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender is widely praised for its heartfelt exploration of grief, identity, and friendship. Reviewers commend Callender's lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of a young boy's emotional journey. Some critique the pacing as slow, but most agree the character development compensates well. A poignant, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read King and the Dragonflies?
Readers who would enjoy King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender are typically young adults and middle-grade readers who appreciate heartfelt, coming-of-age tales addressing themes of grief, identity, and resilience. Fans of The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin or Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes will find this novel equally compelling.