This was a sweet graphic novel that explores identity and belonging in a time of intense transition. It was well written and the art style was engaging.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The vulnerability and realness of the main character will make her very relatable to the YA target audience for the book. I appreciated how honest the storytelling was and I know young readers will too.

This is a great look at finding where you belong, along the ride that is high school.
The graphics in this graphic novel are great. I liked that there were different body types and ethnicities.
I liked the look at feelings and how they change over time.
Family is important here too. And how to be open minded about members of families all being different.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

Senior year of high school was suppose to be the best right? Well when your boyfriend dumps you, you botch your college audition, and everything in your life takes a turn, what's a girl to do but get through it. Seventeen year old Essie had senior year planned out, yet when her best friend goes off to college and barely responds to her texts, her brother is off in rehab, her fights with her mom increase, and her long time boyfriend dumps her... Essie's life is taking a turn. It doesn't help that she botched her college audition and her plans are all crumbling, and a new complicated romance has come into her life. Essie is falling for the charming guy who just happens to be the younger brother of the drug dealer who got Essie's brother hooked.... every decision that Essie has made has turned her life around and now this could be just another bad one if she isn't careful. Being 17 isn't easy, and when everything you had planned goes awry, senior year is bound to be complicated. This was an interesting young adult novel that deals with family drama, relationships, and growing up. While I personally didn't vibe with Essie, I do think someone out there will and will enjoy the journey Essie goes through as she grows. The art is absolutely beautiful though and I did like that we got to see Essie grow.

Release Date: March 4,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and First Second Books | First Second for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*