This is so sad, and so heartbreaking, and so good, all at the same time.
Dylan, who is nonbinary, and Leighton, who is ACE are friends. They even love each other, in their own way, but, of course, their love is forbidden. Not because of who they are, but who their parents are. Leigh’s parents are well to do, and don’t talk about having Black genes at all. Dylan’s mother is poor, works three jobs, and no one cares about what they do.

But, something that happens, something they did, made them get sent to rehabilitation camp. We don't find out what that *something* is until nearly the end of the book.

And all the while Leigh wants to be normal, and Dylan just wants to protect her.

And as sad as this all is, this is also dynamics of friendship and young adult relationships, and bullies, and all those things.

Oh, and the title of the book? Because they both pass notes desguised as paper airplanes.

I kept trying to wait until later to read it, I kept thinking I could read it in bits, but I read it all in one go, because I was so invested in what would happen, and I felt the heartache of them both.
<em>Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.</em>

Leighton and Dylan must go to a summer camp after an incident with a fellow classmate causes her to be hurt. Leighton's parents are rich. She plays tennis and does art secretly. Her mother refuses to acknowledge that she is half African American and will only associate with other rich people and expects Leighton to do the same. Dylan's mother works three jobs and struggles to support their family. They just want to make Leighton happy. Their friendship and entire relationship is put into question after the incident.

I really enjoyed this! The way that the story was set up with different time periods mixed in really gave it a lot of depth and helped to understand the perspectives of the characters a lot better.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy of paper planes by Jennie Wood in exchange for an honest review

Publication Date: 16 May 2023
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Dylan and Leighton have always been inseparable but in the aftermath of a tragic event, both of them are sent to a summer camp for troubled youth, where their friendship is put to the test.

i really loved the symbolism of paper planes all throughout this graphic novel, i thought it was super cute and a special way to show Dylan and Leighton’s friendship

Dylan and Leighton are both really great characters, i was drawn to Dylan a lot. i think both characters have characteristics that will draw people in.

the book definitely touches on prejudice and micro aggressions, especially towards Dylan and i think it does it in a very real way.

i loved Dylan and Leighton and they made me feel such a mix of emotions while i read this. i also really loved Cricket, she’s exactly the type of person i want to be and be around.

the progression of Dylan and Leighton’s friendship made such sense and while it’s a bittersweet story, i felt like it was the most real type of friendship.

overall, i really enjoyed this graphic novel, i loved the queer characters, the storyline the overall message of friendship and discovering yourself.