Synopsis
Maisie is on her way to Fancon! She’s looking forward to meeting her idol, Kara Bufano, the action hero from her favorite TV show, who has a lower-leg amputation, just like Maisie. But when Maisie and her mom arrive at the convention center, she is stopped in her tracks by Ollie, a cute volunteer working the show. They are kind, charming, and geek out about nerd culture just as much as Maisie does. And as the day wears on, Maisie notices feelings for Ollie that she’s never had before. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?
From: Scholastic
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title is a bisexual teen girl whose lower leg was amputated six years prior to the start of the story as a result of cancer. She lives with chronic pain, and is shown experiencing panic attacks.
A major supporting character is a nonbinary teen.
Ableist behavior is directed at our focal character.
Awards
Comic Arts Awards of Australia (Shortlisted 2022)
Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year (Notable Book 2022)
ALIA Graphic Novel of the Year (Shortlisted 2021)
Reviews
“A refreshingly fun and hopeful take on the coming of age story, Jessica Walton and Aśka’s Stars in Their Eyes is a graphic novel that celebrates nerdiness and reinforces the value of representation, all while exploring first love, self-care and identity.” (Source: The AU Review)
” Cheerful and empowering.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
Interviews
None.