Ash’s Cabin

Nonbinary teen Ash is struggling with feeling disconnected from their life. Their parents don’t understand their identity, their classmates are more concerned about following the rules than advocating for the environment, and now their grandfather’s ranch is being sold. Ash seems to be the only one upset about the ranch, as the rest of their family is too preoccupied with planning a summer trip to Disneyland. When Ash’s parents reluctantly agree to let them visit the ranch for the summer instead, Ash revels in the freedom. They seek out a hidden cabin their grandfather built so they can make a life for themself alone with their dog Chase, the only one that truly understands them. Ash quickly discovers that a life alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—their inexperience as a camper and the remoteness of their grandfather’s cabin forces them to reckon with their perception of community, prompting them to open themself up to connection and the bright future that communal support can forge. Wang (Stargazing) delivers a stunning, contemplative wilderness adventure via muted earth-tone watercolors that tackles head-on the present-day experience of living in what often feels like a time of apocalyptic change. Ages 14–up. (Aug.)