★ "This graphic novel is a vivid, authentic depiction of daily life with disability, proudly celebrating queer love without compromise... Social-emotional learning essentials are ever present with a particular focus on self-awareness and social awareness. A perfect match for secondary schools and teen library collections." — Booklist, starred review
★ "A prevailing sense of optimism that highlights the power of inclusivity and representation in popular media, delivering an unforgettable experience." Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "A delightful, sweet graphic novel that sweeps readers up... Winsome art combined with Walton's joyful, charming story creates a celebration of identity, community, and love." — Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Cheerful and empowering." — Kirkus Reviews
"A captivating graphic novel with a beautiful art style, a diverse and inclusive cast and a fluffy like-at-first-sight romance that will have fans miss conventions and meet cutes to boot." — Nerd Daily
"Give me all the nerdiness, all the love, and all the cracking visuals." — AU Review
"A very necessary story, representing the various ways we love each other and the diversity of the bodies we inhabit. As storytellers, Jessica Walton and Aśka invite us to see that it's our daily interactions, and our ways of communicating with each other, that will create a more accessible future." — Reading Time
"A quick insight and journey of empathy." — ReadPlus
"Disability rep is still far too rare in YA, and I am just so glad that Stars in Their Eyes exists for teens (and adults!) who still haven't been able to see themselves and their experiences in the media they consume." — Delicate Eternity
"A great exploration of disability and identity, with a particular focus on representation in media, ableism, and accessibility." — ALIA
★ 06/19/2023
Walton and Aśka interrogate themes of body image, fan culture, and self-discovery via a queer, disabled teen in this thought-provoking graphic novel. Nothing is going to stop bisexual 14-year-old Australian Maisie from attending her first fan convention and meeting her hero, Kara Bufano, an actor from her favorite television show who, like Maisie, uses a prosthetic leg. When Kara’s appearance is canceled, Maisie fears that the increased discomfort from her chronic pain caused by navigating the con and her mother’s efforts saving money for the tickets are for naught. But then she befriends 15-year-old Ollie, a nonbinary fancon volunteer who offers to make the rest of Maisie’s convention experience one to remember. Maisie and Ollie’s gentle budding romance is sweeter than Aśka’s cotton candy–toned color palette, but Maisie’s relationship with her quirky mom takes center stage, showcasing a parent-child bond that models healthy boundaries and unwavering support. Walton—who is “proud to be disabled,” per an author’s note—balances tension surrounding Maisie’s disability with a prevailing sense of optimism that highlights the power of inclusivity and representation in popular media, delivering an unforgettable experience. Characters are portrayed with varying abilities, body types, and skin tones. Ages 12–up. (Aug.)
2023-05-24
Fourteen-year-old Australian Maisie and her mum, Jo, are enthusiastic lovers of all things nerdy.
After scrimping and saving, they’re finally on their way to Maisie’s first fancon. Above all, Maisie is excited to meet her idol, Kara Bufano, an actress who plays her favorite superhero and is an amputee like her. The convention has more surprises in store, including a new crush in 15-year-old artist and fellow fan Ollie, who is nonbinary and working the con with their dad. Maisie’s leg amputation was due to cancer, which is in remission but has left her with chronic pain and fatigue. Her ongoing treatments and mobility aids are portrayed as a natural part of ordinary life, as is her bisexuality. While the characters often discuss anti-ableist messages in ways that could be more organic, the lessons carry import. The story is strongest when letting Maisie, Ollie, and Jo express their personalities. It captures an intense one-day romance bonded by fan art and instant understanding. Ultimately, just as important is the love between Maisie and Jo, a quirky and tightly bonded duo who are there for each other through thick and thin. Candy-colored art makes the busy convention a delightful world of visual excitement and discovery for Maisie. Aśka’s strong character illustrations let every emotion be clearly understood. Maisie and Jo have light-brown skin; Ollie and their dad read White.
Cheerful and empowering. (author’s note) (Graphic fiction. 12-17)
