Review by Booklist Review
Middle-schooler Bay Ann Musa is ready to shine as a shaky tap-dancing zombie bride in the annual Halloween Idol show. She is going to frighten all attendees with her ghastly appearance and out-of-this-world dancing. After all, she is shaking from cerebral palsy, not stage fright. And the winner is . . . Bay Ann! But at the awards ceremony, popular classmate Alyee Maq does the unthinkable: he causes her to lose her balance and then grabs her. Bay Ann can stand up on her own just fine, but as the video of Alyee Maq's actions goes viral, the world sees only him and the "special girl" who needs rescuing. Bay Ann will now embark on a new quest with friends Michelle and Davey Matt: to go viral and defeat Alyee Maq. Debut comic author Zayid has written a laugh-out-loud story, and it's nicely complemented by a fun palette of brilliant pastel colors giving way to a cartoony yet very real neighborhood of families who co-parent, single parent, or are simply absent. Cartoonist Amin skillfully employs motion lines around Bay Ann's arms, legs, hands, and feet to capture her moves in a way text-only storytelling cannot. Kids who refuse to dull their shine will find a familiar character in Bay Ann, who isn't afraid to stand up for herself.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5--8--Bay Ann, an Arab American girl who has cerebral palsy, is determined to become a famous dancer by winning her school's Halloween Idol show--and she does! Yet, her fame is cut short when classmate and crush Alyee Maq inappropriately kisses her on stage, causing her to fall into his arms. It's now Alyee Maq who goes viral for not only rescuing the girl with cerebral palsy but also for giving her a fairytale kiss moment. Bay Ann will do whatever it takes to beat Alyee Maq's viral fame so that she won't be used as a form of internet disability inspiration. Bay Ann's obsession with going viral causes her to make mistakes along the way, most notably ignoring the feelings of her friends and family, and not working collaboratively with others to solve problems. She is also unapologetic about "playing the disability" card with the adults in her life, most of whom fall for it because they don't see her as anything more than her condition. Her relationships with her supportive father and distant mother are complex, but despite conflict, neither of her parents let her lower her expectations for herself. VERDICT A humorous middle school graphic novel featuring a strong-willed protagonist who won't stand for anyone to define her solely by her disability.--Amanda Melilli
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this graphic novel debut by an actor and comedian with cerebral palsy, a girl wants to be recognized for her talent, not her disability. Bay Ann Musa, who has cerebral palsy, loves tap dancing and hanging out with best friends Michelle and Davey Matt. She shuttles between the homes of her sweet, supportive father and strict, workaholic mother, accompanied by Lucy, her witty, talking feline companion (and biggest fan). After an incident at the school's Halloween talent show goes viral, Bay Ann, who's Muslim and Arab American, decides she must one-up Alyee Maq, her seemingly perfect classmate. After all, he exploited her, presenting himself as the hero who saved the "sick girl" when she fell, thus reducing Bay Ann to being tragic and inspirational. Bay Ann is far from weak--in fact, her strong will can lead her to be overbearing and mean, even toward those she cares about (she's also aware that due to others' stereotypes, she can use "the disability card" to get out of trouble). Gradually, Bay Ann realizes that her pursuit of fame risks alienating those who genuinely care for her, and she must decide what's truly important. This bright, lively graphic novel shows how the exuberant Bay Ann navigates daily life with cerebral palsy, incorporating humor without being exploitative. Bay Ann grapples with expressing anger healthily, and the narrative skillfully underscores her personal responsibility, offering valuable lessons on managing one's feelings. Comical, nuanced, and visually engaging. (Graphic fiction. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
