Biographical Note:
Jessica Walton is a queer, disabled writer and speaker. They co-wrote an episode of Australian comedy series Get Krack!n that focused on disability, and they are also the author of Introducing Teddy, a picture book illustrated by Dougal MacPherson. Jess's short stories have been published in Australian anthologies Funny Bones and Meet Me at the Intersection, and their poetry can be found in Growing Up Disabled in Australia and The (Other) F Word: a Celebration of the Fat and Fierce. To learn more about Jess, visit them at jessicawalton.com.au.
Aśka is creative dynamite. She's an award-winning artist and graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a big fan of the little doohickey above the s in her name (which is pronounced "Ash-ka"). A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka is passionate about visual literacy and has published more than ten books and graphic novels. When she's not creating children's books, Aśka is traveling across Western Australia as a roving science communicator. Sometimes, she sleeps. For more on Aśka's passions, projects, and art, check out askastorytelling.com.
Review Quotes:
★ "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
Publisher Marketing:
A Stonewall Honor Book
In this lighthearted YA romance, Maisie and Ollie discover that nothing beats the feeling of falling in love for the first time.
Maisie is on her way to Fancon! She's looking forward to meeting her idol, Kara Bufano, the action hero from her favorite TV show, who has a lower-leg amputation, just like Maisie. But when Maisie and her mom arrive at the convention center, she is stopped in her tracks by Ollie, a cute volunteer working the show. They are kind, charming, and geek out about nerd culture just as much as Maisie does. And as the day wears on, Maisie notices feelings for Ollie that she's never had before. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?
Perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, this graphic novel debut is a fresh, one-of-a-kind story that celebrates the excitement of meeting someone special for the first time.
Review Citations:
- Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2023 (EAN 9781338818796, Paperback)
- Shelf Awareness 11/21/2023 (EAN 9781338818796, Paperback)
- Booklist 10/15/2023 pg. 38 (EAN 9781338818796, Paperback) - *Starred Review
- Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2023 (EAN 9781338818802, Hardcover)
- Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2023 (EAN 9781338818802, Hardcover)
- Publishers Weekly 06/19/2023 (EAN 9781338818802, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
Contributor Bio:Aska
Aśka is creative dynamite. She's an award-winning artist and graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a big fan of the little doohickey above the s in her name (which is pronounced "Ash-ka"). A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka is passionate about visual literacy and has published more than ten books and graphic novels. When she's not creating children's books, Aśka is traveling across Western Australia as a roving science communicator. Sometimes, she sleeps. For more on Aśka's passions, projects, and art, check out askastorytelling.com.