Stars in their eyes

Maisie is on her way to her very first fan convention to meet her idol, Midnight Girls' star Kara Bufano. The night before the con, she takes a dip in the hotel pool, but pools are a disability danger zone for 14-year-old Maisie, filled with both cooling waters and invasive comments on bravery. This book fully rejects the objectification of disabled individuals in the name of inspiration, allowing readers to meet the real Maisie. Meanwhile, she's surrounded by chirping birds and ringing bells when meeting Ollie; they're a 15-year-old convention volunteer and fellow Midnight Girls fan. Will Maisie's first con also be her first love? Walton's graphic novel is a vivid, authentic depiction of daily life with disability, proudly celebrating queer love without compromise. The background art is alive with artist alleys, daily pillboxes, packed hallways, realistic mobility aids, and Sailor Moon cosplay. Jo One, Maisie's mom, and Joe Two, Ollie's dad, are lovingly present for their children's coming out, with identity pins and popular cultural references. Writer Walton, artist Aśka, and colorist Rosado together achieve both disability joy and queer joy on pages that pop with pride flags and familiar anime characters. Social-emotional learning essentials are ever present with a particular focus on self-awareness and social awareness. A perfect match for secondary schools and teen library collections.

Walton and As´ka interrogate themes of body image, fan culture, and self-discovery via a queer, disabled teen in this thought-provoking graphic novel. Nothing is going to stop bisexual 14-year-old Australian Maisie from attending her first fan convention and meeting her hero, Kara Bufano, an actor from her favorite television show who, like Maisie, uses a prosthetic leg. When Kara's appearance is canceled, Maisie fears that the increased discomfort from her chronic pain caused by navigating the con and her mother's efforts saving money for the tickets are for naught. But then she befriends 15-year-old Ollie, a nonbinary fancon volunteer who offers to make the rest of Maisie's convention experience one to remember. Maisie and Ollie's gentle budding romance is sweeter than As´ka's cotton candy--toned color palette, but Maisie's relationship with her quirky mom takes center stage, showcasing a parent-child bond that models healthy boundaries and unwavering support. Walton--who is "proud to be disabled," per an author's note--balances tension surrounding Maisie's disability with a prevailing sense of optimism that highlights the power of inclusivity and representation in popular media, delivering an unforgettable experience. Characters are portrayed with varying abilities, body types, and skin tones. Ages 12--up. (Aug.)

Fourteen-year-old Australian Maisie and her mum, Jo, are enthusiastic lovers of all things nerdy. After scrimping and saving, they're finally on their way to Maisie's first fancon. Above all, Maisie is excited to meet her idol, Kara Bufano, an actress who plays her favorite superhero and is an amputee like her. The convention has more surprises in store, including a new crush in 15-year-old artist and fellow fan Ollie, who is nonbinary and working the con with their dad. Maisie's leg amputation was due to cancer, which is in remission but has left her with chronic pain and fatigue. Her ongoing treatments and mobility aids are portrayed as a natural part of ordinary life, as is her bisexuality. While the characters often discuss anti-ableist messages in ways that could be more organic, the lessons carry import. The story is strongest when letting Maisie, Ollie, and Jo express their personalities. It captures an intense one-day romance bonded by fan art and instant understanding. Ultimately, just as important is the love between Maisie and Jo, a quirky and tightly bonded duo who are there for each other through thick and thin. Candy-colored art makes the busy convention a delightful world of visual excitement and discovery for Maisie. Aśka's strong character illustrations let every emotion be clearly understood. Maisie and Jo have light-brown skin; Ollie and their dad read White. Cheerful and empowering. (author's note) (Graphic fiction. 12-17) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.