It’s not too often that our YA spotlight features the author of a graphic novel. Though I believe we’ll begin to see more of them (we hope). Today’s spotlight is Ngozi Ukazu, author of the popular Check Please, series. The series began as an online graphic novel and became one of the most funded webcomics on Kickstarter.
The Buzz
A Boston Globe Best Children’s Book of 2018
YALSA William C. Morris 2018 Finalist
“Check, Please! is very much a thing of our time in its approach to gay identity and romance… There’s no big coming-out scene, no ‘convert the lone homophobe’ drama, no storyline cooked up just to educate the reader about the gay experience. Bitty doesn’t need any of that, and Ukazu gives the reader credit for not needing it either.” ―NPR
“Check, Please ― an endlessly delightful web comic about hockey, baking, and bros.” ―Den of Geek
“Check Please! is the perfect reminder of the growth in queer narratives we’ve gotten in the past few years…filled with cute romance, zero toxic masculinity, and a really great sense of male comradery that’s refreshing to read.” ― The Mary Sue
“Ukazu, who began Bitty’s story as an uberpopular webcomic, folds in plenty of hockey terms and highlights team camaraderie while skillfully dismantling themes of toxic masculinity…A slow-burn same-sex romance is just the icing on the cake (sorry―pie) in this irresistibly fun and utterly charming sports story. Volume two can’t come fast enough” ―Booklist, starred review
“This is a warm story with an irresistible protagonist, a clever supporting cast, and lively and plentiful game and practice scenes… A fun and deeply satisfying read for teens.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Well, now I have to find this book! I hadn’t heard anything about it – which tells me I’m out of the loop on graphics – but I’m EXCITED to encounter something I haven’t heard anything about! Thanks, you guys.