coming-of-age comics

"When college freshman Grace Mendes reluctantly attends her first pillow fight match, she falls in love with the surprisingly gritty sport. Despite her usually shy, introverted, and reserved nature, Grace decides to try out for the Pillow Fight Federation (PFF), a locally famous league of fighters with larger-than-life personas. . . They may battle with pillows, but there is nothing soft about these fighters. . . . Grace struggles with deep-seated body image issues, so she is especially shocked when she makes the competitive league. . . . As her first official fight performing as newly crafted alter-ego/ring persona Cinderhella looms on the horizon, the real battle taking place is between Grace and her growing insecurities. What if people laugh or make fun of her? Why did she think she could pillow fight in the first place when she doesn't look like your 'typical' athlete? Turns out, no one is laughing when Cinderhella dominates her first match in the ring. And as her alter-ego rises through the ranks of the PFF, gaining traction and online fame (and online trolls), can Grace use the spotlight to become an icon for not just others, but most importantly, for herself?"--Provided by publisher.

"This Korean graphic novel tells the story of a young woman finding her way in the world. When she ties up her hair for the first time, she embarks on a journey of small but important changes. Relationships develop, problems emerge and decisions are made. As the year progresses and she navigates the ups and downs of daily life, she discovers new ways of styling her hair. Because nothing stays the same--and sometimes, changing your hairstyle can have a deep impact on your life"--Back cover.

"A poignant coming-of-age story about a young woman coming into her own as she discovers her identity as aromantic asexual"--Provided by publisher.

Presents a graphic memoir following late bloomer Rex as he tries to navigate his low-income family, bullies, sports, and middle school, all while learning to have confidence with a body that refuses to stop changing.

"Sunny is starting to understand the ins and outs of middle school... but she still feels more out than in. Most kids have a thing they do outside of class, like football or track or cheerleading. Sunny isn't quarterback material, and her cheer attempts are... not the best. So what can she do? When Sunny's friend Arun says he wants to start a debate club, she's not really sure what he means. Isn't debate just... arguing? Sunny's never had a problem with arguing. Some of the debates are fun ones: which is the best candy? Is peanut butter a force for evil or a force for good? But when the debate club starts to be a success and the topics get harder, Sunny realizes she won't just be able to talk her way into winning... she'll have to make her case!"--Provided by publisher.

"An anxious teen hopes that a summer of adventure and offbeat dares will keep her friend group together after graduation"--Provided by publisher.

Lia's world is turned upside down when she and her family leave Romania, the only home Lia has ever known, and move to Canada. To make matters worse, Lia gets her first period while at the airport, and she soon finds herself in a world where her home, her language, and even her body is different. She struggles to learn French, make friends, and adapt to life in Canada, and soon Lia worries she'll never feel like herself again. But with a spot on the school newspaper, some new friends, and a crush on a boy who might like her back, things start to look up for Lia.

"A . . . coming-of-age graphic novel about three generations of mothers and daughters passing down and rebelling against standards of gender, race, beauty, size, and worth. Sixteen-year-old Roz is preoccupied with normal teenage stuff: navigating high school friendships, worrying about college, and figuring out what to wear to prom. When her estranged Por Por abruptly arrives for a seemingly indefinite visit, the already delicate relationship between Roz and her mother is upended. With three generations under one roof, conflicts inevitably arise and long suppressed family secrets rise to the surface. Told in alternating perspectives, [this book] shifts seamlessly between time and place, exploring how this pivotal year in adolescence affects three women in the same family, from Guangdong in 1954 to Hong Kong in 1972, and Toronto in 2000"--Provided by publisher.

"Ash has always felt alone. Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids Ash's age are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than in fighting for change. Even Ash's family seems to be sleepwalking through life. The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it's still there, waiting for him to come back . . .or for Ash to find it? To Ash, that maybe-mythical cabin is starting to feel like the perfect place for a fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life. But making the wilds your home isn't easy. And as much as Ash wants to be alone . . .can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone?" --Provided by publisher.

"Months after his success at the BMX expo, Carlos is facing a lot of changes. Another Latino family has moved into town; his best friend RJ seems more interested in hanging out with the soccer team than Carlos; and the terrifying Mrs. Wynkle has roped him into directing the school spring play. Carlos and his co-director, Mark, are determined to make the most exciting play the school has seen, but they quickly learn that their creative visions may be at odds. As opening night looms closer, Carlos must juggle new friendships, old bullies, and an entire cast of zombies--all while trying not to let the spotlight of director get to his head"--OCLC.