On May 2, The New Press will release Charisma’s Turn, an original graphic novel for teens from author Monique Couvson and illustrator Amanda Jones, edited by senior editor zakia henderson-brown.

Founded in 1992 by André Schiffrin and Diane Wachtell, The New Press publishes titles of “public interest” on issues ranging from diversity, criminal justice, education, and racial equity. The New Press is behind the publication of books such as Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow and expanded by adapting novels such as Paul Robeson’s No One Can Silence Me and James W. Loewen’s Lies My Teacher Told Me for younger readers. Charisma’s Turn is the publisher’s first original graphic novel.

Charisma’s Turn follows Black high school student Charisma after an altercation with another student lands her in the principal’s office with counselor Ms. Anderson. Guided by Ms. Anderson, Charisma learns to manage her emotions through healthier channels and develops her own passions for environmental justice and literature.

The graphic novel echoes the social justice work of the graphic novel’s author, Monique Couvson, whose nonfiction book Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, explores the harmful treatment of Black girls in the education system. Couvson is also the president and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, a philanthropic organization with a mission to offer resources and support to girls of color.

“When Monique had this idea of doing a book that would speak to the target audience of people whom she has advocated for in the past, we were happy to experiment with her and support her and see what we could do,” editor zakia henderson-brown told PW.

“The book has so many lessons for young readers,” henderson-brown said. “Getting involved in community, looking for the support of the adults around you, being a good daughter and sibling. I think it’s important to meet all readers where they are.”

In terms of what’s to come from The New Press on the original graphic novels front, henderson-brown said, “We’re excited about that process and to see what else we can do in the space.”

Charisma’s Turn: A Graphic Novel by Monique Couvson, illus. by Amanda Jones. The New Press, $19.99 May 9 ISBN 978-1-62097-401-8