In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Sarah Winifred Searle introduces us to Win. Their two best friends have enrolled at a new school so Win is starting the tenth grade alone. Fortunately for Win, they have art and it’s through their independent study with Mrs Fransson that they meet April and Oscar.

I found the struggles of all three characters relatable. This could have been quite a dark story and it does touch on some difficult topics, specifically those relating to sexuality, identity and body image.

“I’ll always remember that night for the moment I realized that maybe I was finally turning into someone that I could recognize as myself.
That maybe, someday, I could learn to be okay with how I looked.”

There’s an exploration of mental health and the feelings of being alone and not fitting in.

“I mean, I don’t belong here. I feel like I work so hard to keep afloat but no one sees or hears me.”

The friendship between Win, April and Oscar makes all the difference.

Their friendship isn’t always easy and things don’t always work out as planned but their connection gave this story the injection of hope that it needed. The zine they worked on together, which is included in its entirety, was heartbreaking and beautiful.

While I connected with some of what Win and April were struggling with, it was Oscar who stole my heart. I absolutely adored him.

I wish I could hear the song Win and Oscar listen to. I loved the illustrations and the colour palette.

Teenage me would have read this graphic novel so much that it would have disintegrated in my hands. Adult me is definitely keen for a reread.

“To see myself through your eyes, as I look to someone who loves me … it has simply been the greatest thing.”

Content warnings are included on my blog.

Thank you so much to Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.