"Ready or Not" by Andi Porretta is a delightful and heartwarming graphic novel that captures the bittersweet transition from high school to adulthood. Set in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the story follows Cassie and her three best friends—Marcy, Aaron, and Nico—during their last summer together before college. Cassie, the only one without a clear plan for the future, devises a plan to keep their bond strong: a game of dares that takes them on a series of adventurous and sometimes outrageous escapades.

Porretta's artwork is vibrant and engaging, perfectly complementing the coming-of-age narrative. Each character's unique color scheme adds depth to their personalities and makes the story visually appealing. The illustrations beautifully capture the essence of a New York summer, adding a layer of authenticity and charm to the story.

The strength of "Ready or Not" lies in its relatable characters and their authentic emotions. Cassie's anxiety and fear of the future are palpable, and her desire to keep her friends close resonates deeply. The dynamics within the friend group are realistically portrayed, highlighting both the joy and the tension that come with impending change. The themes of friendship, growing up, and finding one's place in the world are explored with sensitivity and insight.

While the story is engaging, some parts feel a bit rushed, leaving readers wishing for more time with these lovable characters. The game of dares, while fun, occasionally pushes the boundaries of believability, but it ultimately serves as a catalyst for character development and emotional growth.

"Ready or Not" also shines in its representation of diversity and inclusion, addressing issues such as mental health, body positivity, and LGBTQ+ identities with care and respect. These elements add depth to the story and make it resonate with a wide audience.

Overall, "Ready or Not" is a charming and poignant graphic novel that will appeal to fans of coming-of-age stories. Andi Porretta has created a memorable debut that captures the complexities of adolescence and the beauty of lifelong friendships. Thank you to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Super sweet and realistic story about graduating from high school and drifting from your friends. I really enjoyed the story of the four friends figuring out how to be friends from afar. Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the eARC.

This was a super cute and quick read. It’s perfect for the summer, especially if you’re about to embark on some life changes. A great read.

This was a fun graphic novel. I loved the art! I found myself very frustrated with some of these characters throughout the book, but they felt realistic to recent high school graduates. I do wish there had been just a little more to some of their stories and the ending felt a little rushed/abrupt.

This was still an enjoyable read that I would likely recommend!

The art is fantastic. It is captivating and does a great job enhancing the story telling. I really liked the cast of characters we are introduced to. I think they’re all relatable in their own ways. This book has great diversity and a fantastic setting with fun characters. I think if you’re looking for a quick YA graphic novel to kick off summer, then this one will be great to pick up