Navigating with You

Black high schooler Neesha, who lives with cerebral palsy, and Boricua new student Gabby, bond over their love of a manga series in this captivating queer romance. After Neesha learns that her father sold her copies of Super Navigator Nozomi, the teens traipse across North Carolina searching for the now out-of-print volumes. As the girls grow closer, they support each other as they confront myriad interpersonal obstacles, such as Neesha navigating her ableist school administration and Gabby managing grief over her mother’s death. Though Gabby’s bubbly personality initially annoys reserved Neesha, she soon thaws, and the two develop a caring friendship that evolves into an intense romantic relationship. Young love, shared interests, and a propensity for adventure drive this snappy graphic novel love story. Frank yet sensitive depictions of mental and physical health challenges and grief by Whitley (The Dog Knight) are elevated by traditional-feeling comics panels rendered in warm earth tones by Brazilian artist Ribeiro. Dynamic lettering by Fox adds verve, and b&w excerpts of Super Navigator Nozomi are sprinkled throughout. Ages 15–up. (Aug.)