Stand Up! (A Graphic Novel)

“Readers will absolutely vibe with this warmhearted graphic novel rendered in amiable, expressive artwork about middle-school romance, finding yourself, and following your passion. Sure to appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Svetlana Chmakova, and Jerry Craft.”–Booklist“This is another fine addition to the middle grade graphic novel genre that embraces individuality and lets readers know it’s okay to be themselves and no one is perfect.”–School Library Journal*“A messy, funny, neurodivergent ode to finding your voice and owning your differences.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Class clowns and secretly funny shy kids unite in this gut-busting tale of finding your place in the world without holding back who you truly are.” –Alex Graudins, author of Improve“Stand Up! is a compassionate, seriously funny, and above all heartfelt look at what it means to find your stage.”–Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie, creators of Just Roll with It“A sweet, fun, and funny story about how being true to yourself can lead you to new paths, opportunities, and friendships. If you’re like me, you’ll walk away wishing Clay and Kyle were your best friends too!”–Ivy Noelle Weir, author of The Secret Garden on 81st Street“Sharp creates a space where unconventionality is the ideal and reminds us to celebrate it.”–Brenna Thummler, creator of the Sheets series“You won’t find a more delightful graphic novel than Tori Sharp’s Stand Up! Clay and Kyle’s friendship is so masterfully developed, by story’s end you’ll feel that you’ve known them all your life. The gorgeous artwork pulls off the remarkable trick of being both grounded in reality but also open to moments of wonderful, dreamy magic. Take it from me: Making any graphic novel is very hard to do, but creating a gem like this one is a rare and beautiful thing.”–Mark Crilley, creator of the Akiko and Miki Falls series

Tori Sharp is a Seattle-based author-illustrator and a swing and blues dancer with a BFA in sequential art from SCAD. Her first book, Just Pretend, is an energetic, affecting graphic memoir about using imagination to navigate the fallout from her parents’ divorce. It’s full of magic, fairies, witches, and lost and found friendships.