Stepping Up
A Graphic Memoir
-
- Pre-Order
-
- Expected Aug 4, 2026
-
- $9.99
-
- Pre-Order
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
"A balm to my soul.”—Jen Wang, New York Times bestselling author of The Prince and the Dressmaker
A timely and vibrant teen graphic novel memoir about community, friendship, and self-discovery told through the eyes of a high school freshman Kiara, one of the few Black students at her predominantly white boarding school—perfect for fans of Almost American Girl and Brownstone!
Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. She’s at Phillips Academy Andover—the prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates’ endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyone’s pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like she’ll never fit in.
Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.
Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step up—for herself and her friends?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This affirming graphic novel memoir from Valdez (Mami's Magic Words), teaming up with debut illustrator Santos, spotlights how the art of stepping helped the author cope with inequality and prejudice during high school. When she arrives at prestigious Phillips Academy Andover, Valdez, an Afro-Dominican student from Washington Heights, finds it difficult to fit in with her mostly wealthy white classmates. Privilege, racism, and elitism feel like part of the fabric of Andover, but Valdez determines to work hard and make friends, soon finding refuge with fellow Black and brown students. Encouraged to join SLAM, Andover's step team, Valdez is elated to discover the first thing to truly excite her since her arrival. Though students make ignorant comments about the team's dance moves and claim that step shouldn't be considered a sport, Valdez ignores them, finding confidence and connection through stepping that makes her feel more like herself than she has all year. Teen Valdez's introspective internal dialogue affectingly narrates the isolation she experiences at Andover before finding step, events portrayed via sketchy, digitally rendered artwork with minimalist backdrops. The result is a raw glimpse into a lonely teen's journey toward feeling seen and understood. Ages 13–up.
