Like a filmmaker having a soft spot for movies about movies, I am a sucker for a book or comic on the importance of stories. The Author Immortal is for anyone who has a soft spot for the stories that made you.
The plot follows a writer named Hector Ramirez when he is given the opportunity to reboot a classic young adult fantasy series. The opportunity comes with a cost and what’s worse is that his loved ones may pay the price. By the time he learns that the original author was sucked into his own fiction, it is too late. He and his nonbinary teen, Al, are whisked away to a fantasy land corrupted by dark magic and ink that runs like blood. There, they meet the very characters of this story, but something is wrong. Monsters run rampant and the heroes have changed into something wilder and more dangerous. We follow Al and their father as they navigate the corrupted land of The Mage’s Apprentice, a fantasy series with a strong influence from C.S.Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Even the title is a nod to The Magician’s Nephew, the first and often forgotten book in the series. What follows is an exploration of identity, the role stories play in our lives and the things you are willing to do for the ones you love.
This queer fantasy is a love letter to the stories we got lost in. Childhood hours spent lost in the pages of a book, going on adventures in a world far from ours. This new world of magic and monsters is from the new creative duo: Frank J. Barbiere (he/him) and Morgan Beem (she/her). Both creators have worked in the industry for years, but this is their first collaboration. Barbiere has written on titles like Violent Love and Lobo, meanwhile Beem has drawn for titles like Swamp Thing and You Belong Here. This debuting duo complement each other’s styles marvelously.
Barbiere’s biting script full of emotion is elevated to eleven through Beem’s expressive art. Her watercolor illustrations create a world not bound by limitations similar to how her paints are not bound to the pencilling on the page. Her color palette contrasts itself to match the changing tone of the scenes within the comic. The pair really knocked it out of the park with this one.
There is no publisher’s age rating but the violent and horror elements are geared towards older audiences.This new and terrifying world is not for the faint of heart. Vol. 1: Death of the Author collects issues #1-5. There is currently no release date for issue number 6. Image comics would be remiss if they do not continue this run to a conclusion. The story does not strike me as one made for an ongoing series, but a satisfying ending is for sure a possibility if allowed to run its course.
The Author Immortal Vol.1: Death of the Author By Frank Barbiere Art by Morgan Beem Image, 2026 ISBN: 9781534334786
Hawthorne Vandecast is entering their villain era… or trying to. If anyone would start taking them seriously. Instead, they’re a potion barista being prepped by their mother to take over the family coffee shop in the aptly named Idlewood -a painfully common village only recently released from the horrifying rule of Lady Wrath and her Brigade of Shade. Released, but not freed because Lady Wrath and her team’s influence still sits over the town like an evil, alluring mist. And they’re looking for new recruits. Hawthorne yearns for the rock star lifestyle promised by the Brigade and the chance it gives them to finally be more than a boring, common potion barista. How hard could it be when their biggest competition seems to be sweet as syrup Maple, who couldn’t have an ounce of Evil in her whole body?
Hard. Very hard. Like, embarrassingly hard. A nightmare audition leads to an oopsie assassination leaving Hawthorne in charge and finally seeing what being a villain is. Will they like it? Will it finally make them feel different and special? Or is being Evil more than wearing cool long coats and living in a castle?
There is a sweetness and irreverence to Evil-ish that is incredibly charming. Debut creator Kennedy Tarrell gives this YA graphic the feel of a 90’s Disney fairytale (which fits with the career outlined in their bio) while twisting tropes and appealing to the cheeky bent that’s so big in that genre right now. Readers want the villain’s story and Tarrell offers a view of the hurt people behind villainous tropes and how their stories might not match what we expect.
The pseudo-Medieval village of Idlewood is both comforting and obviously grating for a growing independent spirit like Hawthorne. Tarrell’s art adds to that comfort and familiarity, leading the reader to expect something predictable and basic and this book is neither. Tarrell’s subtlety in small character moments gives the story and the figures populating it a depth and humanity that defy the fairytale aesthetic of the art. The dialogue is almost perfectly matched to that. You can practically hear the giggle in Maple’s early dialogue and the disdain dripping from Hawthorne’s. It’s immediately immersive and exciting.
Hawthorne is an amazing character, immediately recognizable to teen readers as someone desperate to be more than people see them as while not being sure how to be. They are relatable and earnest while also being just a little clueless. Hawthorne is presented as nonbinary and this is an element that’s just part of the story in such a beautiful way. They feel different from the village not because they’re non-binary, but because -like a lot of teens- they want to be more special than they feel like they are. It’s a character element that is universal tied to a character identity that is underrepresented.
Evil-ish, available for purchase July 22, 2025, is so much of what I love: it’s funny, different, and shockingly heartwarming without taking itself too seriously. It’s an easy next read for fans of Nimona or Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil. Teen readers can easily find characters to relate to in this story while also, hopefully, recognizing that every character and person has a backstory that may be worth learning.
Evil-ish By Kennedy Tarrell Feiwel and Friends, 2025 ISBN: 9781250839954
Company Age Rating: 14-18
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Kids’ graphic novel Camp Prodigy by nonbinary comic creator Caroline Palmer is about Tate Seong, who hears violist Eli Violet warming up before a classical concert and becomes inspired to play the instrument themself. With solid support from their family, Tate joins their school’s orchestra and attends the eponymous summer camp to improve their skills. Despite its intimidating name, the camp welcomes young players of all levels.
Tate soon recognizes Eli, who has decided to attend anonymously, and the two become friends. Tate learns about their own burgeoning nonbinary identity, makes new friends, and practices diligently to advance in their chair placement. Some of the other kids, like Maya, prefer to have fun and not stress out too much about excelling musically. Others, particularly Xin Liang, want to compete to be the best. Xin puts down other musicians with the intention of bettering the group as a whole and Tate eventually stands up to his antagonism. Tate figures out how to balance having fun with developing musically. Additionally, they gain the confidence to come out to their peers and family as nonbinary.
Palmer’s cartoony, jewel-toned style should appeal to kids. The dynamic art shows motion well and captures the wild energy of a kids’ summer camp. When the characters play their instruments, the music emerges as waving, swirling bars of notes. Impactful words, such as man, dude, bro, and pronouns are in big, bold letters. Coupled with the manga-style reaction panels, readers see how certain words and interactions affect Tate.
Camp Prodigy offers important lessons to an age group that, like Tate, feels internal and external pressure to succeed while they also receive messages to have fun and enjoy their youth. Should we have fun or compete? How can we work hard and take breaks to rest and reset? How do we confide in friends and discuss our feelings? How, when, and to whom should we come out? My favorite quote comes from Xin, who learns how to be a team player. He tells Tate, “ ‘I understand that you’re under pressure. Why are you trying to carry all of it on your own? Look at how many people are willing to share the load,’ ” (203). Tate reflects, “Oh, right. That’s the whole point of opening up to people. Friends…family… the people who care about you… when you’re scared or struggling… they’ll want to help. And you won’t be alone,” (204-205).
Add Camp Prodigy to your kids’ graphic novel collections and recommend to fans of middle-grade coming-of-age books like Drama by Raina Telgemeier or the Berrybrook Middle School (Awkward) series by Svetlana Chmakova. Genderqueer kids and their families will be especially grateful for the nonbinary representation.
Camp Prodigy By Caroline Palmer Simon & Schuster Atheneum, 2024 ISBN: 9781665930376
Company Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11) Creator Representation: Nonbinary , Character Representation: Nonbinary,
“Surviving is the easy part. Feeling at peace in your heart is the hard part.”
A little bit like an updated take on Gary Paulson’s Hatchet, Ash’s Cabin is the story of a nonbinary teenager who feels out-of-place at school (where their peers don’t seem to share their concerns for the environment) and at home (where their well-intentioned parents let their dead name slip or still use the wrong pronouns). Ash feels like they don’t fit into the world, so maybe the best option is to create their own world … and after intensive research and collecting supplies, Ash takes their dog and heads into the woods near their family’s ranch to find the secret hidden cabin they are sure their Grandpa Edwin built. Their plan is to live there for the rest of their life. But best laid plans…
I spent this entire book on the edge of my seat, wanting Ash to make it and be okay. I was also very concerned about their dog, Chase, a devoted companion throughout, but also an occasional wrench in the plan. The research that Wang must have done to put this story together—I don’t know that I would have thought of the kinds of dangers and triumphs that await Ash in the forest or at the secret cabin. And as someone who loved survivalist stories as a kid, this was absolutely in my wheelhouse. I think this might be my new favorite of Jen Wang’s graphic novels.
There’s so much for the eye to take in throughout the book. The artwork in Ash’s Cabin is beautifully detailed, especially scenes where Ash is out in nature. In the early part of the book, we get to see how Ash feels alienated from everyone in their life via interactions with family and classmates. Facial expressions are rendered in such a way that we can feel the alternating anguish and excitement Ash experiences throughout. The palette is primarily warm colors—browns, yellows, and greens—with a blended watercolor look. When Ash is referred to by their dead name, the name is blackened out as the author’s careful way of negating its validity. I appreciated the sensitivity that Wang used to approach writing Ash’s character. Due to some intense scenes and difficult situations in the book that feel a little heavy for younger readers, I would aim to give this book to older tweens and teens. Overall, it would make an affirming addition to the collection for readers who loved books by Gary Paulson or fans of Megan E. Freeman’s novel-in-verse, Alone.
Ultimately, Ash returns from the wilderness to a world that is ready to be a little gentler on them, finding kindred spirits at school and common ground with their older cousin. And more importantly, they have a renewed sense of their strength in what they can do on their own, while realizing that humans might need each other and nature, too.
Ash’s Cabin By Jen Wang Macmillan First Second, 2024 ISBN: 9781250754066
Publisher Age Rating: 14-18
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13) Creator Representation: East Asian, Character Representation: Nonbinary,
Anang is a two-spirit, nonbinary kid trying to find their place in their Indigenous community and at school. At the upcoming summer powwow, Anang asks their grandmother if they can make and wear a ribbon skirt; a traditional part of the regalia for Anishinaabe women. Anang’s grandmother thinks it is a great idea; however, seeing Anang’s doubts, she suggests that Anang ask the spirits for guidance. The spirits, in the form of turtles, crows, and the great lake nearby, help Anang feel more like themself as they gather the four necessary items to make the perfect ribbon skirt representation.
Along the way, Anang also gets help from their friends, Sherry and Miigwan. Miigwan accepts Anang as two spirit, but Sherry doesn’t understand and isn’t very good at communicating what she’s feeling. Eventually, the two friends come to a better understanding of their situations: Sherry feels pressure from classmates to avoid Anang and wants things to feel normal after her parents’ divorce; Anang doesn’t understand why other people can’t accept that they are nonbinary.
I love that this book exists. Reading is all about learning about things you haven’t experienced for yourself, and this book showcases nonbinary feelings and Indigenous culture written by someone who understands both. It’s clear that he wants to reach any reader who is interested in this story as there are notes about the language used by the characters with footnote translations (Southwestern Ojibwe or Minnesota Dialect of Ashishinaabemowin), a glossary of terms, and historical notes about ribbon skirts and powwows as well as an invitation to attend as a guest with suitable advice about dos and don’ts.
The color illustrations convey the character’s emotions through facial expressions. Color is important as a story element because it shows the diversity of skin tones represented and is a subtle way to show how each character relates to their gender.
I would highly recommend this for any classroom or middle grade focused collection. If you put it in a classroom library, please know that there is some discussion of gendered bathroom usage but no depictions of the usage nor is there any nudity.
The Ribbon Skirt By Cameron Mukwa Scholastic GRAPHIX, 2024 ISBN: 9781338843255
Publisher Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Teen (13-16) Creator Representation: Anisinaabe, Two Spirit , Character Representation: Anisinaabe, Nonbinary, Two Spirit,
Corinth is a 15-year-old goth aesthetic high schooler with a “bad boy” boyfriend and supportive parents. She likes to spend her free time cleaning up the beach. One day while collecting trash, she’s lured into the water by a hungry mermaid. Luckily, the mermaid (later named Skylla) saw something in Corinth that made them release her and develop a relationship. As Corinth and Skylla learn about each other, the reader learns more about Corinth’s relationship with her toxic boyfriend. His jealousy drives Corinth to spend more and more time with Skylla even as she doubts herself and her decisions. Skylla learns about human cultures, speech, sign language, and food. They also feel deeply about Corinth and works with the mermaid elders to trade their magic for legs to join Corinth on land, surprising her as a transfer student. But the price of the magic is more than Skylla is willing to pay, which leads to complications and a difficult choice for the couple to make together.
Iron Circus Comics is known for championing its LGBTQ+ creators and stories, and The Sea in You is no exception with a retelling of the little mermaid featuring a nonbinary mermaid and a plus size female lead. Neither of these attributes is a focus for the plot; however, I appreciated these details as it makes it stand out as a retelling with a diverse cast of characters. Another factor that makes this a standout retelling is the twist at the end and the inclusion of heavier emotional issues like toxic relationships and shame.
I absolutely loved the art in this book. The color palette of blues and blacks matches the darker tone of the story, and all the curvy lines fit the characters’ personalities. This is a great addition to any graphic novel collection that is accessible to teens and adults, especially if you’re looking for a title that portrays diverse characters. Some mature younger readers might also enjoy this retelling; however, the heavier emotional themes and discussions might draw attention from parents.
The Sea in You By Jessi Sheron Iron Circus, 2023 ISBN: 9781638991113
Publisher Age Rating: Grade 7-9 NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Creator Representation: Bisexual Character Representation: Pansexual, Nonbinary
Odette has a jellyfish in their eye. The doctors don’t have an answer. It’s a mild inconvenience until the day a second one appears.
A college dropout trying to navigate family pressures and an uncertain future, Odette works at a local bookstore, keeps their pet rabbit, and develops a crush on a woman named Naina which may turn into something more. Dodging uncomfortable interactions with their mother, going out to awkward parties with their best friend and his girlfriend—Odettte’s life is small enough, but it’s comfortable. It’s the jellyfish that are the problem. No one has an answer and no one seems particularly concerned about what it might mean. But as the jellyfish continue to multiply, Odette must decide who they will trust, who they will allow to get close, and how they will navigate a future that is not at all the one they expected to be facing as an increasing number of jellyfish begin to block out the things they once were able to see.
Pow Pow Press delivers The Jellyfish, written and illustrated by Canadian graphic novelist Boum and translated now to English. The initial premise has an absurdity to it that injects quiet humor into the writing. “You do indeed seem to have a jellyfish in your left eye,” is the first line delivered in the story. However, this declaration takes on unexpected weight across each section of this book, broken out across the changing of the seasons. Interwoven with snippets of headlines and online quizzes, this graphic novel is rooted in the deep tensions and trivialities of the perpetually online and interconnected existence of young adults in the modern age. From the opening sequence of Odette working in the bookstore to returning home to a nearly empty apartment, Boun captures mundane details that are familiar, engaging, and sometimes all too real, filling Odette with recognizable life in a very short span of time. From awkward parties full of strangers to the heightened emotions of new love, Boun’s portrayal of Odette is richly detailed and empathetic—and this subtle capturing of deep, complex emotion only becomes more recognizable as Odette finds themself facing increasingly dire challenges.
I’m dodging around too many specific plot details because the story is best experienced alongside Odette and those closest to them. Bringing each panel of the story to life, Boum’s delightful art is simple enough in clear shades of black, white, and gray. Emotions shift from humor to sorrow with a deft hand, spotlighting exactly the elements the reader should notice, while building out a richly detailed world with sometimes the simplest brush strokes. Forming a core element of the story, the titular jellyfish are never far from the panels, drifting across the visuals in the same way they drift across Odette’s vision. Entire sequences play out without dialog and the way each panel leads into the next remarkably captures the emotional state of Odette and those around them, each of whom has their own triumphs and tragedies to navigate in search of what it means to live in a complicated world. It’s a remarkable fusion of storytelling and art which quickly draws the reader into Odette’s life and expertly captures the highs and lows of their narrative and emotional experience.
Pow Pow Press does not assign The Jellyfish an age rating, but it’s best suited for older teens and adults due to some naturally-presented nudity, strong language, and overall thematic elements. The content isn’t particularly troubling, but it is a story aimed at older readers and the deep emotional themes pack quite a punch in the later portion of the story. Younger readers and anyone sensitive to narratives centered around degenerative disease should be mindful before diving into this one.
The Jellyfish is one of those stories where it is difficult to explain the experience of reading it in words. I don’t want to give away too much and waving a book around saying “read this” is either effective or it’s not. Visually and in writing, Boum has created a story full of diversity and rich in humanity. It’s crafted with immense care and talent, and in a relatively short span of pages, manages to take the reader on a deeply emotional journey that is absolutely worth the time it takes to experience. In the end, my review on this book is simply “read it.” You won’t be disappointed.
The Jellyfish By Boum Pow Pow Studios, 2024 ISBN: 9782925114307
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18) Creator Representation: Canadian Character Representation: Queer, Nonbinary, Disability
Ash attends performing arts camp every summer, but this summer will be different. They’ve been chosen as stage manager for the musical Ella, and they are bursting with ideas to make this the best show ever. Plus, camp means reuniting with Ash’s best friend Ivy, who also happens to be the star of the musical. And this summer, maybe Ash can finally admit that they have a huge crush on Ivy.
But nothing is going as Ash hoped. They aren’t in the same cabin as Ivy. And Ivy is spending an awful lot of time with her charming costar. The summer is slipping away, and Ash is starting to panic. This is the last year Ash and Ivy will attend camp, and then they’re both starting different high schools and may never see each other again. What if they miss their chance to tell Ivy how they feel?
Ash is so preoccupied that they start to let things slip. They aren’t keeping up with their stage manager duties, and they barely interact with their cabinmates. If they aren’t careful, they might mess up not just their relationship with Ivy, but their other friendships and even the big musical. Ash’s last summer at camp was supposed to be a triumph. Can they save it from being a disaster?
Ash is a sympathetic tween protagonist: passionate and well-intentioned, but also anxious and prone to getting wrapped up in their feelings. Ivy and the rest of the cast are also passionate and creative–they are at performing arts camp, after all–as well as kind and supportive. Diversity of race, gender identity, orientation, and more are all casually portrayed and consistently respected by the characters.
In addition to the relationship plotline, the book covers a lot of fun theater stuff. Since the big musical will be performed at the end of camp, preparing for it provides a built-in timeline of the summer. Being the stage manager, Ash starts out with a notebook full of ideas and a bunch of crew members to organize. As the summer goes on, we see progress being made: set pieces and costumes are assembled, makeup and lighting are planned, etc. There are also interesting references to the other creative projects going on at camp besides the musical.
The art is a slightly simplified cartoon style, though with easily enough detail to differentiate the characters and set the scenes. The colors are mostly soft and natural, with a lot of earth tones–a good fit for a summer camp, where many scenes take place in cabins or outside. There is also frequent use of colorful screentone backgrounds, which add visual variety without being distracting.
Ash’s thoughts often appear in the form of doodles in their notebook, where they and Ivy are drawn in a different style (Ash’s art style, presumably) from the rest of the book. Here we see things that Ash wants to say but doesn’t, or imagines that other people might say. These notebook doodles are black and white, with the lines of the ruled paper visible behind them, which makes them immediately distinct from the rest of the book.
This is a story of relationships, responsibility, and forgiveness, with lots of fun theater kid and summer camp situations. Ash isn’t perfect, but they mean well and do their best to fix their mistakes, and their friends are willing to meet them halfway. Hand this goodhearted story to fans of other emotional realistic middle-grade fiction, like Victoria Jamieson, Kayla Miller, and, of course, Raina Telgemeier.
Upstaged By Robin Easter Little, Brown, 2024 ISBN: 9780316429429
Publisher Age Rating: 7-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13) Creator Representation: Nonbinary , Character Representation: Nonbinary,
Don’t let its cute manga-inspired art fool you. Matchmaker, the queer slice-of-life comic book by Cam Marshall, addresses plenty of serious topics in its compact print volume, such as: staying safe during the Covid-19 pandemic; the stress of being unemployed or underemployed in a capitalist society; work life balance; and asserting and affirming sexual and gender identities.
In six chapters, the book reveals the lives of three young friends struggling through life and searching for romance, with fully realized side characters to round out the story. Transgender, nonbinary lesbian Kimmy attempts to set up gay cisgender Mason with the perfect guy. Meanwhile, Kimmy develops feelings for their mutual friend Marlowe. The relationships unfold at a natural pace while the reader waits to find out if Kimmy’s matchmaking will succeed. Romance is the core of the plot but subplots such as artist Marlowe’s wrist injury; animator Mason’s desperate search for decent paid work; the friends’ thorough efforts to protect immunocompromised Mason from Covid while others remain lax; and Mason’s sister Sam’s questioning of sexual identity balance out what would otherwise be a one-dimensional story.
Marshall’s art is in black, white, and gray. It is arranged in panels with full page artwork at the beginning of each chapter. The dialogue and images fit neatly within the panels and each enhances the other, especially in terms of humor which is depicted textually and pictorially. Exaggerated facial expressions and well-placed onomatopoeia give a fun, goofy vibe to the story. Picture a winking Marlowe handing a receipt with her phone number on it to love-struck Kimmy with a BAM! while Kimmy’s eyes spiral in a classic “knocked out” expression (151). The print book is about 5.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide, an unusual size for an adult section book. But it’s conveniently portable and surprisingly, the art and text are not negatively impacted.
The youthful sense of humor, timely existential woes, and art style of Matchmaker will mostly appeal to folks in the mid 20s to mid 30s age range. Recommend this charming book to fans of slice-of-life stories such as Giant Days or Wet Moon.
Matchmaker By Cam Marshall Silver Sprocket, 2023 ISBN: 9798886200294
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+) Creator Representation: Nonbinary , Character Representation: Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Nonbinary, Trans, Depression
Juniper and Hadley are good friends living in Larkspur, a town of fantastical people where horns, gills, and vibrant skin colors are commonplace. Juniper is an apprentice baker, while Hadley is a musician hungry for adventure. After a bakery customer requests an unusual pastry, the two friends volunteer to gather ingredients in the nearby forest. On this errand, they learn that a mystery creature is eating local crops, and they decide to investigate. Soon, Juniper and Hadley are meeting unusual creatures, making discoveries about themselves, and helping to mediate between the townsfolk and a magical new friend.
This is a gentle story full of well-intentioned characters. There are no villains, only misunderstandings, and no one gets hurt. In addition to the main plot, which involves respecting nature and animal habitats, there is an emotional arc in which Hadley becomes more comfortable with their nonbinary identity and Hadley and Juniper finally acknowledge their mutual crush and get together as a couple.
In addition to having no violence, this book has no sexual content beyond a quick kiss. There is a little discussion of gender: Hadley feels insecure about their nonbinary identity, and is reassured by a conversation with a fey who explains that most fey “don’t really relate to gender at all… a rigid binary like that doesn’t exist for us.” The publisher recommends the book for ages 12 and up, but I think it would be perfectly appropriate for kids a few years younger as well.
The art is straightforward and character-focused, with simple backgrounds and sparse detail. The color palette is soft, leaning heavily on earth tones, especially in the settings. The page layouts vary: there are many full-page images, especially when magic is involved or a new location is introduced, but other pages are divided into anywhere from two to six borderless panels. The art matches the relaxed pace and gentle feel of the story, making for an easy, comfortable read.
There is some bonus material at the end of the book; a rough recipe for the mushroom galettes that sent Juniper and Hadley into the forest for ingredients, and some character sketches of the two protagonists. The author’s bio reveals that Fern Haught is nonbinary like Hadley and works in a bakery like Juniper.
Cozy fantasy has been gaining popularity recently, and this book is a great example of that genre. Hand it to fans of The Tea Dragon Society and other readers who like their adventures sweet and not scary.
The Baker and the Bard A Cozy Fantasy Adventure By Fern Haught Feiwel and Friends, 2024 ISBN: 9781250828507
Publisher Age Rating: 12 and up
NFNT Age Recommendation: Teen (13-16), Tween (10-13) Creator Representation: Nonbinary , Character Representation: Nonbinary,
Like a filmmaker having a soft spot for movies about movies, I am a sucker for a book or comic on the importance of stories. The Author Immortal is for anyone who has a soft spot for the stories that made you.
up before a classical concert and becomes inspired to play the instrument themself. With solid support from their family, Tate joins their school’s orchestra and attends the eponymous summer camp to improve their skills. Despite its intimidating name, the camp welcomes young players of all levels.
“Surviving is the easy part. Feeling at peace in your heart is the hard part.”
Anang is a two-spirit, nonbinary kid trying to find their place in their Indigenous community and at school. At the upcoming summer powwow, Anang asks their grandmother if they can make and wear a ribbon skirt; a traditional part of the regalia for Anishinaabe women. Anang’s grandmother thinks it is a great idea; however, seeing Anang’s doubts, she suggests that Anang ask the spirits for guidance. The spirits, in the form of turtles, crows, and the great lake nearby, help Anang feel more like themself as they gather the four necessary items to make the perfect ribbon skirt representation.
Corinth is a 15-year-old goth aesthetic high schooler with a “bad boy” boyfriend and supportive parents. She likes to spend her free time cleaning up the beach. One day while collecting trash, she’s lured into the water by a hungry mermaid. Luckily, the mermaid (later named Skylla) saw something in Corinth that made them release her and develop a relationship. As Corinth and Skylla learn about each other, the reader learns more about Corinth’s relationship with her toxic boyfriend. His jealousy drives Corinth to spend more and more time with Skylla even as she doubts herself and her decisions. Skylla learns about human cultures, speech, sign language, and food. They also feel deeply about Corinth and works with the mermaid elders to trade their magic for legs to join Corinth on land, surprising her as a transfer student. But the price of the magic is more than Skylla is willing to pay, which leads to complications and a difficult choice for the couple to make together.
Odette has a jellyfish in their eye. The doctors don’t have an answer. It’s a mild inconvenience until the day a second one appears.
for the musical Ella, and they are bursting with ideas to make this the best show ever. Plus, camp means reuniting with Ash’s best friend Ivy, who also happens to be the star of the musical. And this summer, maybe Ash can finally admit that they have a huge crush on Ivy.
are commonplace. Juniper is an apprentice baker, while Hadley is a musician hungry for adventure. After a bakery customer requests an unusual pastry, the two friends volunteer to gather ingredients in the nearby forest. On this errand, they learn that a mystery creature is eating local crops, and they decide to investigate. Soon, Juniper and Hadley are meeting unusual creatures, making discoveries about themselves, and helping to mediate between the townsfolk and a magical new friend.
