Do you ever read something that feels like the author really opened their eyes and Saw You without ever meeting you?

Background - I took dance lessons for 12 years growing up. From Kindergarten all the way through my Senior year of high school, with a brief break in second grade. Dance was one of the very few hobbies, sports, arts, etc (however you want to classify it) that stuck. It was the one thing I could find that engaged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now looking back at it with my adult ADHD diagnosis in hand that kind of makes sense. My love for it was dampened though two very important characteristics about myself that felt deeply ostracizing at the time. I am fat and a lesbian. I love that about myself NOW, but damn did it do a number on my self-image when I was younger, especially since those are two characteristics that the world of dance despises - and this author does not flinch away from.

This graphic novel takes place in a dance school in Romania - halfway across the world from where I grew up and currently live, but much of it still resonates, even though I was a young girl going to a dance studio in suburban America in the early 2000s while these characters attend an academy in eastern Europe. The author talks about the research she did for this novel, and her found passion for dance along the way which so wonderful.

Dance is something that connects you so deeply to your body and those around you - but when you fear those social ramifications of your true self, it causes a painful dissidence.

With all of that in mind, this graphic novel tackles a lot in a short span of time beautifully. Our main character is in a restrictive and hidden queer relationship with a another dancer at the school who puts her dance before all else and does not want to come out. While this is happening, she makes a new friend - her roommate - who shifts her perspective on everything.

I know this review didn't give many details, but just trust me. Read this graphic novel and you'll understand.

Thank you so much to Macmillan's Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I always realize at the end of the year all the fantasy books or other formats I’ve missed reading throughout out the year. And this one is no different. No it doesn’t matter that it came out in November lol I still count it as missed. Anyway, this one graphic novel made me check out all the graphic novels to read over the break I have because I missed them so much.

Ok so the writing in this was ok, but it was so repetitive. And it was unfortunate because I wanted to love this enough to use it for one of our work things. But it really felt like the same thing over and over. She didn’t learn from the 30 times people told her, but then magically she just got it? And I didn’t even understand what made her change her mind then? It was just out of nowhere. It could have been the other times that they were telling her. I can say tho when she finally “broke” I was excited. Because I was yelling “STAND UP!” at her the whole time. That chick did not deserve her. And as far as Sara, I was shocked at her. I get that she had a crush, but like, she was really reaching. I was so scared that she was going to get that lady in trouble lol But I was glad they found each other. They needed each other to act as mirrors to show how foolish both of them were. I also wish they spent less time showing that girl being a less than girlfriend, and more time talking about Ana and the fatphobia she faced. But that wasn’t even touched.

The art in this one was actually my favorite part. I loved the way Popescu showed them dancing. The way she made their bodies “move” was so cool. I even looked up contemporary dance to make sure I was seeing the right thing from her illustration. I also liked the color scheme. It’s the same as it is on the cover, purple, lavender, and pink being the one that comes out the most. The other colors are there, but they’re like accents if that makes sense. But it was so good. Besides the way she danced, I think my favorite part was the last image. Them on the dock and both of them being all smiles was what my heart needed. I was very proud of them both.

In short, (lol) this could have done with some edits, but for the most part i thought it was entertaining. Still, it’s one to remember. I hope to see more from this author/artist later.

You should read this book because...
... of its pastel color palette, newspaper-ish art style. It translated beautifully on my e-reader of choice (Kobo, which meant it was black and white)
... the visuals elevate the story clearly and beautifully.
... the story, at its core, is about friendship. It was refreshing to see female friendship be the center of a story that’s about so many things like sexuality, attraction, passion, ballet and teen angst. Not to mention, Sara and Carina’s bond which develops organically and sweetly.

Ana and Carina have been together for three years, but their conservative dance school isn’t affirming and Carina won’t make their relationship public, keeping Ana in the closet.
As Ana is losing interest in Contemporary Dance, Sara is blossoming under the mentorship of her teacher Marlena.
This is a lovely Queer coming-of-age story in artistry that is notoriously binary.

I related to the demands of high pressure sports and the struggles with coming of age as a queer teenager in this graphic novel about teenage sapphic dancers. It felt pretty realistic and I liked that you got to see what was going on with both Ana and Sara. However, I just never felt super hooked. The art was interesting with some being in full color for emphasis while most of it was muted. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Leap by Simina Popescu follows two young adolescent girls as they navigate life, love, and friendship at their dance school in Bucharest, Romania. Ana is a contemporary dancer, but remains tied to the classical track by her very career-driven girlfriend of three years, Carina, who wants their relationship to remain a secret. Sara began in classical but has switched to contemporary in order to seek her passion for dancing, as well as to remain near the teacher she has a not-so-discreet crush on. As the meme goes, "And then they were roommates." Thrown together by chance, Sara and Ana quickly find solace in each other in this coming-of-age tale. Readers will laugh, cry, and cheer for these girls as they seek direction, support, and love while they dance their hearts out.

Popescu (they/she), a dancer themself in Bucharest, renders this story in fluid, energetic lines that capture both dance movements and the characters' tumultuous emotions with equal ease. They are also adept with color, using a mix of warm and cool tones to set the mood of a scene or to denote a flashback, but know when to use a pop of full color to emphasize a poignant moment. Script-wise, the story flows easily, and will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. A personal favorite element is (spoiler) that this story does not fall into the roommates-to-lovers trope--Sara and Ana have enough on their plates! While it is lovely that the prevalence of LGBTQIA+ romance has increased in recent years, the positive impact of LGBTQIA+ friendships should also not be overlooked, especially in works for YA and adult audiences. Thank you, Simina Popescu!

Readers who like Leap may also enjoy Even Though We're Adults by Takako Shimura, I Felt Myself Slipping by Ray Nadine, Sunhead by Alex Assan, and Our Colors by Gengoroh Tagame.

I really enjoyed this. The color palette was beautiful but I especially loved the full color pages at the beginning of each section. The story did a great job exploring the societal expectations of the dance world, the impact that has on interpersonal relationships, and the challenges of being out when it’s not necessarily safe to be. I loved the friendship that formed between Sara and Ana, and I think that was the true highlight of the book for me.

This graphic novel was a great visual representation of the coming-of-age story about a LGBTQ+ female who is studying dance in Romania. It features many of the aspects that young dancers face, such as eating disorders, strict instructors, and jealous classmates.

While I am not a big dance fanatic, I hope this graphic novel can serve as a mirror for any girls interested in dance and as a window for anyone in their life that may not know what they face.

Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A graphic novel perfect for those teens grappling with sexuality, relationships, and decisions about the future set in a fine arts high school, focusing on dance programs. Ana loves Carina. Carina loves Ana. But Carina is too afraid of what coming out might mean for her future career, and constantly puts dance before their relationship. The story focuses on Ana as she tries to grapple with what dance means to her & whether what she feels Carina is worth all the heartbreak. I think this is an excellent new title for older teens.

It was interesting to see both point of views of these characters and interesting to see where their stories led. Readers will learn the importance of communication within relationships and the importance of following one’s heart when it comes to love and professional aspirations. It is definitely character driven and would be great for readers who love a little messiness and awkwardness in their characters.

4 stars

Ana and Sara are young dancers who have devoted their lives to their craft. They spend all day in class and practice, and they spend the rest of their time as new friends and new roommates navigating the complexities of their experiences.

Readers who enjoy a great graphic novel and solid queer representation will appreciate the way that Popescu weaves elements of coming of age, identity, sexuality, friendships, romantic relationships, and more nuanced connections, such as those with clear (and potentially concerning) power dynamics.

This work is more a snapshot of a particular time in these characters' developments and experiences versus a climactic, dramatic tale, and that is one of the many elements I enjoyed throughout this read. I'll be recommending this one to students and reading more from this author.

I enjoyed this book and thought the illustrations were particularly well done, especially the scenes in which the characters were dancing. I also felt that the relationships were portrayed realistically and that anyone who has ever had a crush on a teacher or been in a relationship in which they feel they are giving more than their partner, will be able to relate to the characters, regardless of sexual orientation. I also appreciated that there were not necessarily happy endings in that things worked out perfectly for each character, but that they came to terms with their situations and were able to find happiness in their friendship and mutual support.

A high stakes dance school that constantly tells you if you aren’t good enough, if your body is taking up too much space, if you were hurt too long, if you don’t do better, you will lose all you ever wanted. Carina puts all she is into dance. Ana puts all she is into Carina. Ana misses class, ditches friends, and hides herself for Carina. Ana, Sara’s new roommate and possibly the best dancer the school has ever had, is infatuated with her teacher. When the teacher invites Sara to a performance, she is positive the teacher means something more.

Set in Bucharest, Romania, each practice or missed practice exposes the flaws of one sided unrequited relationships. Ana dismisses Sara’s attempts to convince her she deserves more in a relationship. After all, Ana is in love with their teacher. Carina stays focused on her own goals, expecting Ana to drop all to practice with her. How much will Sara have to lose before she takes a stand for herself? Perhaps the next dance will be the one that gets them to understand who they are, their potential, and their dreams?

The minimalist line art and soft color palette serve as powerful compliments to the intense emotions conveyed throughout. Each spread offers a poignant reminder of the importance of self-preservation and the courage it takes to prioritize our own well-being. Sometimes, choosing ourselves can be the most challenging dance to learn. Take the leap for you. This is a strong addition in YA spaces where Sapphic reads are celebrated and enjoyed.

So I'm already a sucker for LGBTQIA+ teen/adult graphic novels, and always a sucker for amazingly awkward artists, and this one was such a pleasure to read! It blended the pre-professional art world through dance with the tumultuous feelings of unsure teenage love and relationships (that, honestly, we never really grow out of, we just hope to find better ways to navigate it.) The characters were engaging (becoming frustrated with characters means you care, right?) and the art was lovely (the lines and forms for the dancers, whether contemporary or classical, were phenomenal. Even the arches for ballet were *chef's kiss*.) I enjoyed feeling the expression of the dances and dancers and I was emotionally invested in these two plotlines, I am happy with the continuation/resolution, and it left me with a wistful, positive feeling. I look forward to anything else this author/illustrator creates, and thank you for the opportunity to go back to my first love, performing arts.

Thank you Simina Popescu, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC!

"Leap" is a queer coming of age story that is so much more about the individual characters than it is about romantic relationships. The characters felt very real and lived in, and I loved all the complicated relationships between these women. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who liked "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" as it had some similar themes.

It's junior year for Ana and Sara, and they have been assigned as roommates at their Bucharest performing arts academy. They laugh about the dead plant, but prepare to get serious. Sara also reconnects with her contemporary dance teacher Marlena, who sees Sara as a star in the making. Ana is also in contemporary dance, but missed a lot of class the year before. Marlena asks Sara to remind Ana to attend classes and keep up her grades. Turns out the girls have a lot in common, as they both maintain crushes (and in Ana's case, a secret relationship) on women that seem unattainable. A friendship forms from this commonality.
Both girls face tribulations as they go through the motions of classes and ambitions. Sara wants her dance instructor to love her back, but she knows that the age gap and power dynamics would get them both in trouble. Ana wants her girlfriend to come out, so they can have a real relationship, but Carina refuses because she's worried about being blacklisted for being gay. And Carina isn't wrong, as Romania isn't a world kind to lesbians. Granted, it feels any such place can become hostile. Even Sara's own mother, who claims she is fine with her daughter being gay, encourages her to keep quiet around the rest of the family. But Sara can see that Carina is stifling Ana, always putting her needs first before her girlfriend's.
This is a poignant graphic novel, about balancing secrets with ambition, schoolwork with passion. And it reminds us why we need to fight for our identities, and our self-worth.

It was so fun reading a dance book this week. Earlier tonight (the day I’m writing this), I started taking a tap class, which marks the first dance class I’ve taken in a long time. I’m excited about it. So the timing of reading Leap was really great for me.

One of the things that’s truly incredible about this graphic novel is the way that the panels capture the motion of dance. Some characters are in a contemporary dance program, and others are in a ballet program, so it shows two different kinds of dance, and I think the illustrations differentiate them well. I only spotted one panel in which I think the position of a dancer’s foot wasn’t right for the ballet move that she seemed to be performing.

The story is really sweet, too. It follows two characters. One, Ana, is in a long-term relationship that started out really well but has hit some bumps. The other character, Sara, has a huge crush on someone she shouldn’t, and she’s trying to understand her feelings and figure out what to do. When the girls become roommates, they bond as friends, and it isn’t too long before they begin speaking hard truths to one another. I loved getting to see their friendship flourish and to see the journey they each had with dancing.

I think readers who enjoy books in international settings or books about dance and relationships will find a lot to love in Leap.

Ana and Sara are new roommates beginning their junior year at a prestigious dance school. Their blooming friendship is full of ups and downs as they navigate relationships, their sexuality, crushes, and their schoolwork. Author/Illustrator Simina Popescu has captured this story in pinks and mauves until the passion of dance overtakes the characters in full technicolor. I enjoyed following Ana and Sara's narratives and Popescu did a great job of capturing the reality of how significant everything feels at that age.

A sapphic, heart wrenching story about ballerinas trying to find themselves and form their own relationships with the pressures and internalized homophobia of their livelihoods.

From the beginning, I love the monochromatic coloring throughout most of the story, as it gives this unsettling feeling of things not being exactly as they seem. The characters feel joy and their world becomes so full of color that it's blinding at times.

Highly recommend for those needing a story about discovering yourself whilst navigating relationships, new and old. The ballet, while a major part of the story, don't require any additional knowledge to be enjoyed.

Leap is a really moving, realistic, and relatable coming-of-age graphic novel about dancers at a performing arts school in Romania. Ana and Sara are contemporary dancers and new roommates at the beginning of the school year, and Ana has been secretly dating Carina from the classical program for about three years. But Carina never seems to make time for Ana like Ana does for Carina, and Ana is struggling with burnout and doesn't feel the joy for dancing that she used to. Meanwhile, Sara has developed a sizable crush on their dance teacher, Marlena. I loved how Ana and Sara's friendship developed and how they helped one another understand things about themselves and their relationships and feelings about dance. The art was also stunning -- I loved the different full-page spreads, especially the ones in full color at the start of each section, and Popescu does a great job capturing the feeling of movement from the different styles of dance. I even liked how in the sepia-toned rest of the book, things in the sunlight are outlined in a purplish color instead of black; I thought that was such a nice touch. Sometimes queer YA books can feel overly-cutesy, so I really appreciated how realistic this felt, and there were so many moments that resonated with me like how the girls develop friendship, face burnout, and handle breakups. Ana's relationship with Carina felt a little reminiscent of Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, how there are moments that seem incredible and then moments where the relationship's toxicity becomes more apparent when one character's priorities do not line up with the other's. I liked how in Leap, we can actually see where Carina is coming from even when she's hurting Ana - Carina is clearly so overwhelmed by the pressure of classical dance that she isn't in the right place for the relationship she's in. And it was great to see queerness represented and explored in a non-US context. This is really well done and will make a great addition to anyone's graphic novel collection! Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read what Popescu writes next!