Synopsis
Can you be a hero…if society doesn’t see you as a person?
Nubia has always been a little bit…different. As a baby she showcased Amazonian strength by pushing over a tree to rescue her neighbor’s cat. But, despite Nubia’s similar abilities, the world has no problem telling her that she’s no Wonder Woman. And even if she was, they wouldn’t want her. Every time she comes to the rescue, she’s reminded of how people see her: as a threat. Her moms do their best to keep her safe, but Nubia can’t deny the fire within her, even if she’s a little awkward about it sometimes. Even if it means people assume the worst.
When Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, is threatened by a boy who thinks he owns the town, Nubia will risk it all—her safety, her home, and her crush on that cute kid in English class—to become the hero society tells her she isn’t.
From: DC Comics
Notes on This Title
The main character has two moms who are prominent supporting characters. One is black; the other’s ethnic identity is not established.
This title features depictions of violence perpetrated by police and gun violence, including a school shooting.
Awards
2022 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Reviews
“All in all, this book was one of the Blackest and realest graphic novels I have ever read.” (Source: Blacksci-fi.com)
“DC’s YA-focused original graphic novels have set a pretty high bar, with even the worst of them tending to be quite good. Nubia: Real One easily vaults over that high bar. It is one of, if not the, best of the growing library.” (Source: School Library Journal)
Interviews
The Beat: “McKinney and Smith on grounding NUBIA: REAL ONE in the here and now“