A joyful and fun graphic novel about two queer, neurodivergent best friends who find confidence in charting their own paths.
Eighth graders Clay, who sports a crest of blonde hair and has ADHD, and Kyle, who has long purple locks and is autistic, have long goofed around backstage as part of their school’s drama club stage crew. They also do comedy routines for the open mic nights at the cafe below the apartment where they live with their artsy moms (who are not obviously a couple, although it’s not entirely clear).
They’re each seeking a better outlet for their creative exuberance, however. When Clay gets an acting role in the next school production, though, she finds it more boring than she imagined, although it gives her a chance to be near her crush, Dania. Kyle, for his part, wants to do more than just open mic nights around town.
Inspired by their favorite podcast, they decide to launch a comedy podcast of their own. There’s lots to do to make this happen, however, even as Clay worries about her performance in the school play and whether to ask Dania to the school dance.
The relationship between Clay and Kyle has the vibes of the best buddy comedies. They’re silly, supportive, and honest with each other, and their interactions and observations are often hilarious. They also act in ways that feel authentic to their neurodivergent identities (I trust author/illustrator Tori Sharp, who is autistic and has ADHD, on this), but without making those identities, or their queer identities, the core of the plot. They are “written between the lines rather than set center stage,” as Sharp explains in an Author’s Note. No characters question or belittle them for either aspect of their identities; dramatic tension is created instead as the characters learn to stretch themselves personally and socially.
Warm, funny, and well-paced, with original and memorable protagonists, this is a highly recommended title. A sequel has already been announced (though we’ll have to wait until 2026, alas); apparently, Kyle gets his first-ever boyfriend in it. I can’t wait.
Clay, Kyle, and their moms are White; Dania is Black as is the owner of the cafe.
