Synopsis
Molly Bauer’s first year of college is not the picture-perfect piece of art she’d always envisioned. On day one at PICA, Molly discovers that—through some horrible twist of fate—her full-ride scholarship has vanished! But the ancient texts (PICA’s dusty financial aid documents) reveal a loophole. If Molly and 9 other art students win a single game of softball, they’ll receive a massive athletic scholarship. Can Molly’s crew of ragtag artists succeed in softball without dropping the ball?
The author of the New York Times best-selling Check, Please series, Ngozi Ukazu, returns with debut artist Madeline Rupert to bring an energetic young adult story about authenticity, old vs. new, and college failure. It also poses the question: “Is art school worth it?”
From: Macmillan Publishers
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title is a queer Black woman who has two moms, one of whom is also Black. The supporting cast includes a character who uses they/them pronouns, another queer Black woman, a queer woman who reads as white, and a queer woman whose name and appearance suggest she may be of East Asian descent.
Awards
None.
Reviews
“A heartfelt story of passion, teamwork, and overcoming the odds.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Ukazu (Check, Please!) portrays the successes and roadblocks—such as the $60,000-a-year price tag—of applying for art school. Paired with debut illustrator Rupert’s expressive character designs and detailed backgrounds, which enrich the work’s already savvy and humorous tone, the creators offer a jovial and highly enjoyable story that underscores issues surrounding financial precarity and educational inequity.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
The Beat: “Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert on BUNT!’s grand slam“