Doodles from the Boogie Down
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A young Dominican girl navigates middle school, her strict mother, shifting friendships, and her dream of being an artist in this debut coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by the author's tween years.
Eighth grade in New York City means one thing: It’s time to start applying to high schools! While her friends are looking at school catalogs and studying for entrance exams, Steph is doodling in her notebook and waiting for art class to begin. When her art teacher tells her about LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Steph desperately wants to apply. But she’s in the Bronx, and LaGuardia is a public school in Manhattan—which her mom would not approve of. Steph comes up with a plan that includes lying to her mom, friends, and teachers. Keeping secrets isn’t easy, and Steph must decide how far she’ll go to get what she wants.
Doodles from the Boogie Down is a sparkling semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic novel debut set in the early aughts that's perfect for fans of Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm and Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Rodriguez's warm and encouraging semi-autobiographical graphic novel debut depicts the challenges of pursuing one's dreams while feeling misunderstood by surrounding community. Circa 2000, 13-year-old artist Steph, who attends a Catholic middle school in the Bronx, is preparing to enter high school with best friends Tiff and Ana. While her protective mother warns her about the dangers of public school, citing her own traumatic childhood experience after emigrating from the Dominican Republic, Steph's supportive art teacher, Ms. Santiago, suggests applying to a Manhattan liberal arts high school to develop her creative talents. Given friends' disparaging comments regarding her aspirations, Steph lies to her peers and mother about her goals and puts together an application portfolio in secret. Distinct details denoting place and time—such as bodega snacks and era-specific sparkly slogan tops—lend verve to the kaleidoscopically colorful illustrations peopled by a largely Latinx-cued cast rendered with animated facial expressions. With sincerity and precision, Rodriguez captures Steph's feelings of frustration with her loved ones and awe at the inherent beauty of the world around her, which she depicts in her art. Ages 9–12.