Panels framed in diary pages at the beginning quickly recap the previous entry in which the British boys’ relationship blossomed from a platonic friendship to something more, culminating in a kiss. But their relationship status—and how Nick, who previously identified as straight, feels about it—remained up in the air until now. This title documents how their relationship morphs into something more tangible and the issues that come along with that evolution. Nick must confront personal confusion and fear surrounding his sexuality while Charlie navigates being in a somewhat secret relationship with someone who isn’t yet out of the closet. Illustrated in the same distinctive style as the first volume, the gentle blue shading and the dialogue’s handwritten lettering lend a casual, human atmosphere to the story and its characters. Creative transitions from panel to panel and in the gutters of the pages shake up the layout and add artistic flair. Nick and Charlie’s lighthearted and tender romance is delightful, and the genuine heart present in the characters makes for a wholesome and uplifting ride. Nick and Charlie appear White; there is some racial diversity among side characters along with positive representation of a trans character.
Incredibly lovable from start to finish. (Graphic romance. 12-18)Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-61747-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
Categories: GENERAL GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS | ROMANCE
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Summer love rises between two boys in a bakery.
High school may have ended, but Ari is stuck with sourdough starter at his family’s bakery instead of summer gigs in the city with his band. As his family’s money grows tighter, Ari feels tethered in place. His friends start to drift toward their own futures. But the future of their band—and their friendship—drifts toward uncertainty. Under the guise of recruiting another baker to take his place, Ari hires Hector. A culinary student in Birmingham, Hector has temporarily returned home to find closure after his Nana’s passing. The two grow close in more than just the kitchen. Ari, who hates baking, even starts to enjoy himself. But will it all last? Panetta and Ganucheau’s graphic novel debut is as much a love story between people as it is with the act of baking. Ganucheau’s art, in black ink with varying shades of blue, mixes traditional paneling with beautiful double-page spreads of detailed baking scenes, where the panels sometimes take on the shape of braided loaves. The romance between Ari and Hector builds slowly, focusing on cute interactions long before progressing to anything physical. Ari and his family are Greek. Family recipes referenced in the text code Hector as Samoan. Delicious.
A tender blend of sugary, buttery, and other complex flavors that’s baked with a tremendous dash of heart. (recipe, production art) (Graphic novel. 13-adult)Pub Date: Feb. 12, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-62672-641-3
Page Count: 368
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: Nov. 25, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2018
Categories: GENERAL GRAPHIC NOVELS & COMICS | ROMANCE
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In a not-so-distant future where changing one’s physical features is as easy as purchasing nanobot mods, Sunati falls for Austen, a girl who always looks the same.
Since Austen never changes, Sunati admires what she assumes is her bravery and confidence. As Sunati and Austen chat more, Austen bluntly asks Sunati if she only wants to get to know her more because of her medical condition, which prevents her from using mods. As they gradually grow closer, Sunati learns how to interact more respectfully with those who have overactive immune systems as well as to share her feelings more honestly. Austen, in turn, learns to trust Sunati. This beautifully illustrated slice-of-life tale that shows two young women of color getting to know each other and creating a relationship is so warm and charming that readers will hardly notice how much they are learning about how to better interact with folx who are different from themselves and the importance of not making assumptions. The story also successfully weaves in agender, genderfluid, and asexual characters as well as the subjects of parenting and colorism into the natural arc of Sunati and Austen’s developing story. The soft, romantic artwork evokes hazy watercolors. The speech bubbles are predominantly pink and blue, and the varied layout will maintain readers’ interest.
A warm, sweet, lovely tale of a world readers will want to live in. (Graphic romance. 12-18)Pub Date: May 19, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4998-1110-0
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
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