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Paper Planes
After a life altering incident, Dylan and Leighton are sent to a summer camp for troubled youth. Can Dylan and Leighton save their friendship and protect their future while trying to survive camp?
Former best friends Dylan Render and Leighton Worthington attempt to successfully navigate their way through a summer camp for troubled youth. They both need a good evaluation at the camp. Otherwise, they’ll be sent away, unable to attend high school with their friends. While participating in camp activities and chores, Dylan and Leighton rexamine the events that led up to the incident that sent them to camp, the incident that threatens their futures and their friendship with each other.
Former best friends Dylan Render and Leighton Worthington attempt to successfully navigate their way through a summer camp for troubled youth. They both need a good evaluation at the camp. Otherwise, they’ll be sent away, unable to attend high school with their friends. While participating in camp activities and chores, Dylan and Leighton rexamine the events that led up to the incident that sent them to camp, the incident that threatens their futures and their friendship with each other.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
51 people are currently reading
6298 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Wood
21 books96 followersJennie Wood is a nonbinary author, comic creator, and musician, currently living in Boston. They created the critically acclaimed, award-winning Flutter graphic novel series. Featured in The New York Times, Boston Globe, and on Law & Order: SVU, Flutter was named one of the best LGBTQ graphic novels of 2013 and 2015 by The Advocate. In November 2018, Dark Horse Comics published The Flutter Collection, all three volumes combined into one book. That collection won the Next Generation Indie Book award for best graphic novel of 2019.
Jennie is also the author of the YA novel, A Boy Like Me, which was a Next Generation Indie Book awards finalist, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year finalist, and one of Foreword Reviews’ 10 Best Indie YA novels for 2014. Their work can also be seen in The New York Times best-selling, award-winning FUBAR anthologies, The New York Times best-selling and Eisner award-winning anthology Love is Love, the Harvey-nominated 27, A Comic Anthology, and John Carpenter's Tales for a HalloweeNight.
More: jenniewood.com
Jennie is also the author of the YA novel, A Boy Like Me, which was a Next Generation Indie Book awards finalist, an INDIEFAB Book of the Year finalist, and one of Foreword Reviews’ 10 Best Indie YA novels for 2014. Their work can also be seen in The New York Times best-selling, award-winning FUBAR anthologies, The New York Times best-selling and Eisner award-winning anthology Love is Love, the Harvey-nominated 27, A Comic Anthology, and John Carpenter's Tales for a HalloweeNight.
More: jenniewood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 632 reviews
December 13, 2022
bittersweet is all i can say.
anyways the ace & enby rep!! <3
anyways the ace & enby rep!! <3
December 4, 2023
Ah this one was just okay for me! An interesting read, but I struggled with a few elements.
Paper Planes is a young adult graphic novel that follows two main characters, Dylan and Leighton. The two become close friends but are eventually sent to a camp for troubled teens after "the incident." The two much successfully make it through camp if they want to return home and attend high school with their friends.
What Worked: I absolutely adored Dylan as a character. Their character growth in this was done well. Wood also explores some interesting topics including socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, the complexity of first love and friendships, etc. Dylan and Leighton have an interesting relationship that slowly unfolds throughout the course of the book. While I think that Dylan was a better developed character, I appreciated that readers get a better understanding of what it's like to have a strong, loving friendship fall apart due to the expectations and pressures of the outside world.
What Didn't Work: I was not a huge fan of Leighton as a character. Her development as a character fell a little flat for me especially because I felt like Dylan took too much of the responsibility for "the incident." While both of them commit actions out of love, Leighton doesn't seem to as much as Dylan. Part of me wanted her to stand up to her parents and break free from their expectations, but I also recognized that it's not a realistic outcome for every teen. Honestly, it was super hard reading certain parts of this because Leighton comes off as the toxic one in their friendship, but the author wrote it as though we should be rooting for her as a character as well and I just couldn't do it.
Overall, it was a solid graphic novel, but probably not one that I would pick up for a second time.
Paper Planes is a young adult graphic novel that follows two main characters, Dylan and Leighton. The two become close friends but are eventually sent to a camp for troubled teens after "the incident." The two much successfully make it through camp if they want to return home and attend high school with their friends.
What Worked: I absolutely adored Dylan as a character. Their character growth in this was done well. Wood also explores some interesting topics including socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, the complexity of first love and friendships, etc. Dylan and Leighton have an interesting relationship that slowly unfolds throughout the course of the book. While I think that Dylan was a better developed character, I appreciated that readers get a better understanding of what it's like to have a strong, loving friendship fall apart due to the expectations and pressures of the outside world.
What Didn't Work: I was not a huge fan of Leighton as a character. Her development as a character fell a little flat for me especially because I felt like Dylan took too much of the responsibility for "the incident." While both of them commit actions out of love, Leighton doesn't seem to as much as Dylan. Part of me wanted her to stand up to her parents and break free from their expectations, but I also recognized that it's not a realistic outcome for every teen. Honestly, it was super hard reading certain parts of this because Leighton comes off as the toxic one in their friendship, but the author wrote it as though we should be rooting for her as a character as well and I just couldn't do it.
Overall, it was a solid graphic novel, but probably not one that I would pick up for a second time.
February 10, 2023
I love queer graphic novels. If you've ever read a review of mine, then I probably sound like a broken record. I have really appreciated reading about different queer identities lately, and graphic novels have been a great resource for expanding the diversity of my reading. I've never read a graphic novel with an ace or non-binary protagonist, so it was a joy to be treated to both.
I loved the narrative and the message. Oh how quickly someone who means so much to you can drift away. There is a sense of hope throughout this graphic novel. If you've ever lost someone you cared about, if you've loved them long enough to watch them become a stranger, this will pull at your heartstrings. I loved that Leighton and Dylan reconnected. They had both changed a lot, but that was okay.
The story shifts between the past and the present. The emotions of the characters in the present are fuelled by their encounters in the past, and I loved how the art tied into this aspect of the storytelling. The moments in the junkyard and the uncomfortable experiences at camp were the most engaging. There were quite a few moments that made me cringe because they reminded me of difficult experiences I had at school. The depiction of adolescence is brilliant, and I really enjoyed the multitude of themes.
The timeline was a little difficult to follow. This didn't stop me from enjoying the story, and I would definitely recommend it to those who love graphic novels!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
I loved the narrative and the message. Oh how quickly someone who means so much to you can drift away. There is a sense of hope throughout this graphic novel. If you've ever lost someone you cared about, if you've loved them long enough to watch them become a stranger, this will pull at your heartstrings. I loved that Leighton and Dylan reconnected. They had both changed a lot, but that was okay.
The story shifts between the past and the present. The emotions of the characters in the present are fuelled by their encounters in the past, and I loved how the art tied into this aspect of the storytelling. The moments in the junkyard and the uncomfortable experiences at camp were the most engaging. There were quite a few moments that made me cringe because they reminded me of difficult experiences I had at school. The depiction of adolescence is brilliant, and I really enjoyed the multitude of themes.
The timeline was a little difficult to follow. This didn't stop me from enjoying the story, and I would definitely recommend it to those who love graphic novels!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
May 9, 2023
It's summer, but Leighton isn't at tennis camp as planned: instead, she and Dylan are at a summer program in the woods—for therapy, for punishment. They were friends, before, or more than friends, or maybe not friends anymore, and then there was the Incident, and now they're here. Here, and communicating mostly via paper planes.
This graphic novel grew on me—the art doesn't entirely fit my personal tastes (miles beyond anything I could draw, mind! But I'm still a bit confused about why Dylan appears to have a receding hairline), but it's well executed, and there are interesting relationship dynamics that develop throughout the book. I love that we see variety of sexuality and gender, and that it's almost never treated as a big deal. A few things are unclear to me, like Leighton's parents' treatment of Dylan (in some ways they're very accepting, but in other ways they're eager to reject Dylan), Leighton's sister's story, etc. What sold me, though, is the end—which I won't spoil, but suffice it to say that I'm always happiest when things are still a little messy at the end, and characters don't all end up with exactly what they want. The paper planes floating throughout the book are also a very nice theme...whether the intended recipient reads the notes they contain or not. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
This graphic novel grew on me—the art doesn't entirely fit my personal tastes (miles beyond anything I could draw, mind! But I'm still a bit confused about why Dylan appears to have a receding hairline), but it's well executed, and there are interesting relationship dynamics that develop throughout the book. I love that we see variety of sexuality and gender, and that it's almost never treated as a big deal. A few things are unclear to me, like Leighton's parents' treatment of Dylan (in some ways they're very accepting, but in other ways they're eager to reject Dylan), Leighton's sister's story, etc. What sold me, though, is the end—which I won't spoil, but suffice it to say that I'm always happiest when things are still a little messy at the end, and characters don't all end up with exactly what they want. The paper planes floating throughout the book are also a very nice theme...whether the intended recipient reads the notes they contain or not. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
December 5, 2022
just got a netgalley arc of this, and while it's not my first time reading something with the same undertones this felt blissfully new i loved everything about dylan because? They're adorable, but god their entire relationship with leighton hurts, it hurts so much because? How quickly friends you loved dearly turn into strangers, kind of. But? Unlikely alliances and all that jazz
AND THE ART STYLE WAS AMAZING it's just? Now i want a physical copy like right now. over all, a recommendation <3
AND THE ART STYLE WAS AMAZING it's just? Now i want a physical copy like right now. over all, a recommendation <3
January 19, 2024
04/03/2023
★★★★☆
Thank you Netgalley for this arc! :)
This comic/graphic novel is essentially about two kids who are sent to a summer camp for troubled youth because of an incident in the past. They both have to get a good evaluation, or they'll be sent to an alternative high school. The story follows their camp experience and their relationship; past and present.
This one hit close to home regarding the relationship dynamic of Leighton and Dylan, and in retrospect, I feel like this story will stick with me for a long while.
I loved how this story was told. We switched between different times and it all builds up to big events in the story! The tension was strong with this one. The storytelling itself was amazing as well! I was captivated and it had very well-structured sections that held my attention.
Big shoutout for the art style, because that was pure perfection and I adored every slide! I loved the diversity of the characters :) One of our main characters was on the asexual spectrum and the other one was non-binary! The side characters were so freaking cool, btw! Also, first time ever that there was a character that looked exactly like me 😭💜 Plus-size, chin-length dyed hair, and wears shorts all the time. I didn't see much of them but that's a core reading memory right there!
If you like messy relationship dynamics, tension, great queer rep, mysteries, and camp stories; this one's for you!
I definitely recommend this graphic novel!!
Notes before reading:
MY ARC GOT APPROVED 😭 THANK YOU, NETGALLEY <3
(and it's my first one too 😭😭😭)
★★★★☆
Thank you Netgalley for this arc! :)
This comic/graphic novel is essentially about two kids who are sent to a summer camp for troubled youth because of an incident in the past. They both have to get a good evaluation, or they'll be sent to an alternative high school. The story follows their camp experience and their relationship; past and present.
This one hit close to home regarding the relationship dynamic of Leighton and Dylan, and in retrospect, I feel like this story will stick with me for a long while.
I loved how this story was told. We switched between different times and it all builds up to big events in the story! The tension was strong with this one. The storytelling itself was amazing as well! I was captivated and it had very well-structured sections that held my attention.
Big shoutout for the art style, because that was pure perfection and I adored every slide! I loved the diversity of the characters :) One of our main characters was on the asexual spectrum and the other one was non-binary! The side characters were so freaking cool, btw! Also, first time ever that there was a character that looked exactly like me 😭💜 Plus-size, chin-length dyed hair, and wears shorts all the time. I didn't see much of them but that's a core reading memory right there!
If you like messy relationship dynamics, tension, great queer rep, mysteries, and camp stories; this one's for you!
I definitely recommend this graphic novel!!
Notes before reading:
MY ARC GOT APPROVED 😭 THANK YOU, NETGALLEY <3
(and it's my first one too 😭😭😭)
September 28, 2023
A spoiled rich girl manipulates people and uses her parent's wealth to buy herself out of trouble and maintain her perfect daughter facade.
Set at a juvenile delinquent summer camp the reveal of what got her there -- told through a series of flashbacks -- takes forever, maybe to keep us from hating her completely until the end. The title comes from the paper airplanes she uses to pass notes with her co-conspirator, one of the puppets she has dancing on her strings.
Some will say I'm distorting the story, but one of this girl's lesser sins is literally stealing her best friend's cat. It just gets worse from there, and we're somehow supposed to think she isn't pure evil? Nuh-uh.
Set at a juvenile delinquent summer camp the reveal of what got her there -- told through a series of flashbacks -- takes forever, maybe to keep us from hating her completely until the end. The title comes from the paper airplanes she uses to pass notes with her co-conspirator, one of the puppets she has dancing on her strings.
Some will say I'm distorting the story, but one of this girl's lesser sins is literally stealing her best friend's cat. It just gets worse from there, and we're somehow supposed to think she isn't pure evil? Nuh-uh.
December 11, 2022
I wanted to like this but narratively it falls flat. I don't see any reason to really like Leighton, it seemed like she was messing with Dylan the whole time. I wanted conclusion to the story lines and there wasn't any.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
January 28, 2023
I wasn't prepared for how this would give me all the feels. I love how the title came about. I love how the author explores the complexities of feelings, sexuality and relationships with so much nuance and care. I love the artwork and use of different colour tones to separate past and present timelines. I love the character growth. I love the themes of identity, belonging and adolescence. I love how this graphic novel made my heart ache.
Overall, a tender, beautiful and bittersweet read like no other.
Thank you to Mad Cave Studios for the Netgalley ARC.
Overall, a tender, beautiful and bittersweet read like no other.
Thank you to Mad Cave Studios for the Netgalley ARC.
January 17, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Mad Cav Studios and Maverick for early access of Paper Planes by Jennie Wood
Paper Planes by Jennie Wood Is released on May 16th, 2023
3.5⭐️
Paper Planes is a graphic novel that touches on the struggles of adolescence and the struggles of finding one’s own sexuality. I really liked the side character Cricket, my favorite quote from the entire story came from her, on page 88.
The art style gave me Kim Possible vibes, which I really enjoyed.
Paper Planes by Jennie Wood Is released on May 16th, 2023
3.5⭐️
Paper Planes is a graphic novel that touches on the struggles of adolescence and the struggles of finding one’s own sexuality. I really liked the side character Cricket, my favorite quote from the entire story came from her, on page 88.
The art style gave me Kim Possible vibes, which I really enjoyed.
March 29, 2023
I thought I'd extend the #TransRightsReadathon like suggested by reading a couple more trans books this week. Paper Planes is one of them, and I really liked this graphic novel.
It has both an asexual biracial MC and a questioning non-binary MC, and you meet them while they're at a camp for troubled youth after "The Incident". The story is told from there, with flashbacks from when they first became friends, working up to what happened to land them at the camp.
The way the flashbacks were executed made the story work really well, and I really liked both characters. They were realistically flawed and well fleshed out, which is not always the case in a graphic novel.
My one criticism would be that I would have loved more of a resolution towards the end, but other than that, I really enjoyed this.
It has both an asexual biracial MC and a questioning non-binary MC, and you meet them while they're at a camp for troubled youth after "The Incident". The story is told from there, with flashbacks from when they first became friends, working up to what happened to land them at the camp.
The way the flashbacks were executed made the story work really well, and I really liked both characters. They were realistically flawed and well fleshed out, which is not always the case in a graphic novel.
My one criticism would be that I would have loved more of a resolution towards the end, but other than that, I really enjoyed this.
April 7, 2023
Dylan and Leighton are two former best friends who have been sent to a summer camp for troubled youth due to an incident that is revealed late in the story. Friends since they were children, and now on the cusp of starting high school, their lives begin to diverge. Dylan is nonbinary and comes from a single-parent household, while Leighton, who is biracial and asexual, is pushed to excel in a sport she is not interested in by her affluent parents. This non-linear tale effectively uses flashbacks to show how these two friends had a falling out and why they are forced to be at the camp together. The artwork is pleasing and showcases a diverse cast of characters, with a palette that helpfully alternates to signal when there are time shifts. The illustrations will appeal to fans of the “Lumberjanes” series, not only for the similar camp vibe, but because Dozerdraws has also illustrated a few volumes from that series.
Verdict: Strong character growth, welcome diversity, and the bittersweet lesson that some friendships don’t last forever make this a must-buy for all libraries.
I read this graphic novel for the School Library Journal magazine. Read my starred review at: https://www.slj.com/review/paper-planes
Verdict: Strong character growth, welcome diversity, and the bittersweet lesson that some friendships don’t last forever make this a must-buy for all libraries.
I read this graphic novel for the School Library Journal magazine. Read my starred review at: https://www.slj.com/review/paper-planes
July 7, 2024
i almost broke my duolingo streak trying to finish this
December 10, 2022
First of all, I loved the art style! It was so cute and colorful and I loved how the color scheme changed when there was a flashback vs. when the story was in the present.
Second, I really liked how Dylan and Leighton sent paper planes to each other. It was simultaneously super cool and cute, and I wish I had a friendship like that.
It was a bit sad that their friendship wasn't so strong anymore at the summer camp. However, when you know the reasons behind it, it makes sense.
Overall, this graphic novel was fun to read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Mad Cave Studios for the digital ARC copy!
Second, I really liked how Dylan and Leighton sent paper planes to each other. It was simultaneously super cool and cute, and I wish I had a friendship like that.
It was a bit sad that their friendship wasn't so strong anymore at the summer camp. However, when you know the reasons behind it, it makes sense.
Overall, this graphic novel was fun to read!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Mad Cave Studios for the digital ARC copy!
March 13, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an emotional ride. Dylan and Leighton are sent to a camp to take responsibility for their actions that were a consequence of an incident gone wrong in their lives with regards to a bully. Leighton is asexual and Dylan is non-binary and is also romantically interested in her. All through the graphic novel, they are trying to navigate through life and figure out more about themselves while also trying to accept themselves for who they are. Dylan also comes from a slightly financially challenged background with their mom working 3 jobs and then having food stamps to get through their days. As a result, they get bullied for it and it would break my heart everything they got bullied.
My heart ached for dylan. They deserve the world and more. The relationship between dylan and leighton was so bittersweet and honestly I was just rooting for both the characters to find happiness on their own. The book is called paper planes because they send messages on paper planes and send it to the other person. I think that is so cute and the execution was done really well. I also really liked cricket's character. She was so respectful, caring and loving.
Additionally, the art is stunning and it gave me extreme vintage cartoon vibes that i was absolutely in love with. The book also switches between past and present and there is a specific colour theme for both timelines, the colour theme of the past timeline is a little faded which i think is also really cool. I do wish we got a little happy ending on leighton's side of things like we did for dylan but that's okay, sometimes not all things have to be wrapped up. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommended. The representation of the LGBTQ+ characters was done really well.
All thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.
This was such an emotional ride. Dylan and Leighton are sent to a camp to take responsibility for their actions that were a consequence of an incident gone wrong in their lives with regards to a bully. Leighton is asexual and Dylan is non-binary and is also romantically interested in her. All through the graphic novel, they are trying to navigate through life and figure out more about themselves while also trying to accept themselves for who they are. Dylan also comes from a slightly financially challenged background with their mom working 3 jobs and then having food stamps to get through their days. As a result, they get bullied for it and it would break my heart everything they got bullied.
My heart ached for dylan. They deserve the world and more. The relationship between dylan and leighton was so bittersweet and honestly I was just rooting for both the characters to find happiness on their own. The book is called paper planes because they send messages on paper planes and send it to the other person. I think that is so cute and the execution was done really well. I also really liked cricket's character. She was so respectful, caring and loving.
Additionally, the art is stunning and it gave me extreme vintage cartoon vibes that i was absolutely in love with. The book also switches between past and present and there is a specific colour theme for both timelines, the colour theme of the past timeline is a little faded which i think is also really cool. I do wish we got a little happy ending on leighton's side of things like we did for dylan but that's okay, sometimes not all things have to be wrapped up. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommended. The representation of the LGBTQ+ characters was done really well.
All thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.
December 3, 2022
This is so sad, and so heartbreaking, and so good, all at the same time.
Dylan, who is nonbinary, and Leighton, who is ACE are friends. They even love each other, in their own way, but, of course, their love is forbidden. Not because of who they are, but who their parents are. Leigh’s parents are well to do, and don’t talk about having Black genes at all. Dylan’s mother is poor, works three jobs, and no one cares about what they do.
But, something that happens, something they did, made them get sent to rehabilitation camp. We don't find out what that *something* is until nearly the end of the book.
And all the while Leigh wants to be normal, and Dylan just wants to protect her.
And as sad as this all is, this is also dynamics of friendship and young adult relationships, and bullies, and all those things.
Oh, and the title of the book? Because they both pass notes desguised as paper airplanes.
I kept trying to wait until later to read it, I kept thinking I could read it in bits, but I read it all in one go, because I was so invested in what would happen, and I felt the heartache of them both.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Dylan, who is nonbinary, and Leighton, who is ACE are friends. They even love each other, in their own way, but, of course, their love is forbidden. Not because of who they are, but who their parents are. Leigh’s parents are well to do, and don’t talk about having Black genes at all. Dylan’s mother is poor, works three jobs, and no one cares about what they do.
But, something that happens, something they did, made them get sent to rehabilitation camp. We don't find out what that *something* is until nearly the end of the book.
And all the while Leigh wants to be normal, and Dylan just wants to protect her.
And as sad as this all is, this is also dynamics of friendship and young adult relationships, and bullies, and all those things.
Oh, and the title of the book? Because they both pass notes desguised as paper airplanes.
I kept trying to wait until later to read it, I kept thinking I could read it in bits, but I read it all in one go, because I was so invested in what would happen, and I felt the heartache of them both.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 1, 2023
Dylan and Leighton have been friends forever. Dylan lives as themselves- a struggle for Leighton as she tries to please her parents.
This story starts at their summer camp - both angry and hurt. The story also rehashes their friendship. Underlining the lack of balance between Dylan and Leighton.
Very honest look at how we can become consumed by our friends, taken advantage and all the anger.
This story starts at their summer camp - both angry and hurt. The story also rehashes their friendship. Underlining the lack of balance between Dylan and Leighton.
Very honest look at how we can become consumed by our friends, taken advantage and all the anger.
May 17, 2023
I would like to thank Mad Cave Studios and NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for writing an honest review!
Unfortunately, I have DNF this comic book @54%
I tried to enjoy this book thoroughly but the storyline felt all over the place. I was so confused in some parts that I decided to DNF it. This can be enjoyed by someone else so you could give it a try.
Unfortunately, I have DNF this comic book @54%
I tried to enjoy this book thoroughly but the storyline felt all over the place. I was so confused in some parts that I decided to DNF it. This can be enjoyed by someone else so you could give it a try.
February 2, 2023
It took me a while to finish this book…. I did not know much about asexuality, this book taught me new concepts which resonated with me. I did not enjoy the story very much though. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 15, 2025
This one was wonderful. I loved the dual timeline plot.
The art is wonderful, and I felt so much for both main characters.
I was hoping for a bit more of a resolution at the end, but it is what it is.
The art is wonderful, and I felt so much for both main characters.
I was hoping for a bit more of a resolution at the end, but it is what it is.
May 25, 2023
It is a graphic novel. It tells a deep story of feelings and expectations. Of hopes for the future that don't belong to us. What it means to be pressured into taking shapes that don't fit us. What it means to bottle up those feelings for such a long time that they begin to hurt and ruin and destroy you inside... This book deals with these topics and not only, and at the same time keeps them on the surface, without diving into them completely. I wish they were dealt with in a deeper way. I also wish there were a sequel! Thank you very much to the author, illustrator, publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity. I loved it 💖
August 7, 2023
Oh, how I wish there were things like this for me as a queer child. But I get to read them now as an adult and try to heal that part of child me. 🩷
December 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this one. Overall a enjoyed this graphic novel. It has some good representation and I think it did a good job of showing that friendships can change and alter and that that isn't a bad thing. I didn't give this one a higher rating as I felt there could have been more done to help show when something is a time jump, and I just feel as though there could have been a bit more with the characters. Overall though, I would recommend this one for people to read.
January 4, 2024
I’m just a sucker for bittersweet endings!! This book took me through so many emotions and spurred so many thoughts.
February 2, 2023
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this beautiful book early!
Rep: non-binary MC, nblw, asexual MC
CW: side characters trying to out MCs, poverty, bullying, some mentions of aphobia
Content:
Leighton and Dylan have been friends for a very long time, but their friendship has not always been easy. The graphic novel takes place in the present, when the two characters are being sent to a summer camp for troubled youth after a tragic event in which they were involved. Throughout the book, there are many flashbacks to the characters’ past which slowly give the reader an idea of their history with each other and the reason why they are in the summer camp.
Leighton is the “perfect” daughter of her parents. Her mother is half-Black, but she tries to ignore it, which makes it difficult for Leighton to connect with that side of her family. Her parents are very proud of her tennis career, but Leighton doesn’t actually enjoy it, she only plays tennis to please her parents and would much rather pursue art. Her older sister, Caroline, has caused her parents a lot of trouble and is not well accepted in the family. Therefore, Leighton faces a lot of pressure to be perfect. At the same time, she is trying to figure out her asexuality, and she especially struggles with other people not understanding her sexuality or telling her “it is just a phase”.
Dylan is a non-binary teenager who comes from a poor family. They are an outsider at school, they get bullied for being poor and for not fitting into gender stereotypes. Dylan also has a cat, Daisy, which they care for a lot. They want to become an astronaut one day, but because of their family background, most people don’t believe they would ever make it far in life.
Leighton and Dylan have been friends since third grade, but over time their friendship has progressed further than “just friends”. However, figuring out their sexuality, class differences and dealing with an ignorant social environment make their relationship very complicated.
What I liked about the book:
The first thing I noticed when opening the book was the beautiful art style. I have read a few, but not a lot, of graphic novels before this one and I really found the art style to be outstandingly beautiful. The colors were really well chosen and I loved how the color schemes changed when there was a flashback.
I also loved the representation in this book. While not every side character in the book was super supportive, overall I did not have the impression that the character’s gender or sexual identity was used as a big problem in the story, which I really appreciated. In flashbacks from early years of their life, classmates were not very supportive of Dylan’s gender identity, but as they became older, it was not a problem anymore and people used the right pronouns for them without any questions (as they should, of course). Leighton does face a some problems from her environment because of her asexuality, but she is still confident in her sexuality and does not let that make her insecure of it. Overall, I had the impression that the negative comments from the outside were meant to show how the characters stay true to themselves, even when facing hardships, which I really liked.
I also really liked how nuanced the characters were. They both came from very different backgrounds, which was not just briefly mentioned but really shown in the book, and I could understand both of their perspectives really well.
Overall, the story made me feel a lot of things when reading it, it was bittersweet and I really felt for the characters.
What I did not like:
The only point of criticism I have is less about the plot and more about the structure of the book. I think it was great that the author did not give away the whole backstory from the beginning, so that the reader stayed curious to learn more about why the characters are in the present situation. However, I found them to be placed quite out of nowhere or in the middle of a scene, which really threw me off sometimes. But after a while I got used to it.
Also, this is not a happy story with a happy ending, which is perfectly fine, but if you go into it expecting that, you might be disappointed.
Conclusion:
I really liked it overall and I would definitely recommend it!
4 stars
Rep: non-binary MC, nblw, asexual MC
CW: side characters trying to out MCs, poverty, bullying, some mentions of aphobia
Content:
Leighton and Dylan have been friends for a very long time, but their friendship has not always been easy. The graphic novel takes place in the present, when the two characters are being sent to a summer camp for troubled youth after a tragic event in which they were involved. Throughout the book, there are many flashbacks to the characters’ past which slowly give the reader an idea of their history with each other and the reason why they are in the summer camp.
Leighton is the “perfect” daughter of her parents. Her mother is half-Black, but she tries to ignore it, which makes it difficult for Leighton to connect with that side of her family. Her parents are very proud of her tennis career, but Leighton doesn’t actually enjoy it, she only plays tennis to please her parents and would much rather pursue art. Her older sister, Caroline, has caused her parents a lot of trouble and is not well accepted in the family. Therefore, Leighton faces a lot of pressure to be perfect. At the same time, she is trying to figure out her asexuality, and she especially struggles with other people not understanding her sexuality or telling her “it is just a phase”.
Dylan is a non-binary teenager who comes from a poor family. They are an outsider at school, they get bullied for being poor and for not fitting into gender stereotypes. Dylan also has a cat, Daisy, which they care for a lot. They want to become an astronaut one day, but because of their family background, most people don’t believe they would ever make it far in life.
Leighton and Dylan have been friends since third grade, but over time their friendship has progressed further than “just friends”. However, figuring out their sexuality, class differences and dealing with an ignorant social environment make their relationship very complicated.
What I liked about the book:
The first thing I noticed when opening the book was the beautiful art style. I have read a few, but not a lot, of graphic novels before this one and I really found the art style to be outstandingly beautiful. The colors were really well chosen and I loved how the color schemes changed when there was a flashback.
I also loved the representation in this book. While not every side character in the book was super supportive, overall I did not have the impression that the character’s gender or sexual identity was used as a big problem in the story, which I really appreciated. In flashbacks from early years of their life, classmates were not very supportive of Dylan’s gender identity, but as they became older, it was not a problem anymore and people used the right pronouns for them without any questions (as they should, of course). Leighton does face a some problems from her environment because of her asexuality, but she is still confident in her sexuality and does not let that make her insecure of it. Overall, I had the impression that the negative comments from the outside were meant to show how the characters stay true to themselves, even when facing hardships, which I really liked.
I also really liked how nuanced the characters were. They both came from very different backgrounds, which was not just briefly mentioned but really shown in the book, and I could understand both of their perspectives really well.
Overall, the story made me feel a lot of things when reading it, it was bittersweet and I really felt for the characters.
What I did not like:
The only point of criticism I have is less about the plot and more about the structure of the book. I think it was great that the author did not give away the whole backstory from the beginning, so that the reader stayed curious to learn more about why the characters are in the present situation. However, I found them to be placed quite out of nowhere or in the middle of a scene, which really threw me off sometimes. But after a while I got used to it.
Also, this is not a happy story with a happy ending, which is perfectly fine, but if you go into it expecting that, you might be disappointed.
Conclusion:
I really liked it overall and I would definitely recommend it!
4 stars
March 27, 2023
I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it didn’t influence my opinion in any way.
I want to start out by saying I absolutely loved the Ace and Non-Binary rep in the book, it's not something I have had the pleasure to encounter in a lot of books, let alone in a Graphic Novel. I felt like both these identities were represented very well, and I liked how both characters had their moments in which they explained how they identified. In this way people who are not very familiar will be able to understand it better.
The split timeline was an effective way to keep me reading, cause I kept wondering what happened. The subtle change in colour was a good way to tell in which time the book took place and I never was confused about the time I was reading about.
The big reveal about why Dylan and Leighton were at the summer-camp was not as 'big' as I thought it would be, which in some way I feel like is a good thing - cause I really liked these characters.
However, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, I will probably get my hands on a physical copy if I would encounter it in a bookstore, but it isn't a book I have thought about a lot since I finished it. I loved the art style and the lettering was easy to read, but overall it didn't blow my mind, like I hoped it would.
I have given the book 3.5 stars - rounded up here.
I want to start out by saying I absolutely loved the Ace and Non-Binary rep in the book, it's not something I have had the pleasure to encounter in a lot of books, let alone in a Graphic Novel. I felt like both these identities were represented very well, and I liked how both characters had their moments in which they explained how they identified. In this way people who are not very familiar will be able to understand it better.
The split timeline was an effective way to keep me reading, cause I kept wondering what happened. The subtle change in colour was a good way to tell in which time the book took place and I never was confused about the time I was reading about.
The big reveal about why Dylan and Leighton were at the summer-camp was not as 'big' as I thought it would be, which in some way I feel like is a good thing - cause I really liked these characters.
However, I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, I will probably get my hands on a physical copy if I would encounter it in a bookstore, but it isn't a book I have thought about a lot since I finished it. I loved the art style and the lettering was easy to read, but overall it didn't blow my mind, like I hoped it would.
I have given the book 3.5 stars - rounded up here.
April 27, 2023
*ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review*
To begin, this graphic novel follows two teenagers as they decipher their sexuality and come to terms with their pasts while learning to grow and become better people. The story follows two young individuals as they attend a camp meant for young teens who have committed minor crimes. It's raw and feels emotionally real, as you feel as though you can step into their own shoes. Their actions from lashing out at the adults to crying with one another will be moments I think a lot will relate to either while in their teen years or after. With the ultimate conclusion feeling incredibly fulfilling, I heavily recommend checking out this graphic novel if you get a chance.
To begin, this graphic novel follows two teenagers as they decipher their sexuality and come to terms with their pasts while learning to grow and become better people. The story follows two young individuals as they attend a camp meant for young teens who have committed minor crimes. It's raw and feels emotionally real, as you feel as though you can step into their own shoes. Their actions from lashing out at the adults to crying with one another will be moments I think a lot will relate to either while in their teen years or after. With the ultimate conclusion feeling incredibly fulfilling, I heavily recommend checking out this graphic novel if you get a chance.
December 13, 2022
Paper Planes is the first manga I have ever read and I really enjoyed it!
This story follows Dylan, a non-binary teen and their asexual best friend Leighton through Summer camp. After getting into trouble with a school bully, Dylan and Leighton have to attend this camp to take responsibility for their actions. This is a sweet, beautifully drawn coming-of-age story is told via flashbacks of the pair's friendship over the years. Leighton is a tennis star from a rich family, while Dylan's mom works three jobs just to barely stay afloat. These two friends have grown up and grow into their identities together. Through the activities at the summer camp, they reflect on their friendship and how things have changed for the both of them through the years.
One of my favorite details about this book is that it's told through dual-POV and we can tell whose thoughts we are reading by a tiny drawing of a tennis racket for Leighton and a tiny rocket ship for Dylan. I thought this was so cute and brought a lot of clarity to the story.
If you love a coming-of-age story with LGBTQIA+ representation and beautiful artwork, pick up Paper Planes, releasing May 16, 2023.
Thank you to NetGalley, Madcave Studios, Jennie Wood, and Maverick for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts shared above are mine alone.
This story follows Dylan, a non-binary teen and their asexual best friend Leighton through Summer camp. After getting into trouble with a school bully, Dylan and Leighton have to attend this camp to take responsibility for their actions. This is a sweet, beautifully drawn coming-of-age story is told via flashbacks of the pair's friendship over the years. Leighton is a tennis star from a rich family, while Dylan's mom works three jobs just to barely stay afloat. These two friends have grown up and grow into their identities together. Through the activities at the summer camp, they reflect on their friendship and how things have changed for the both of them through the years.
One of my favorite details about this book is that it's told through dual-POV and we can tell whose thoughts we are reading by a tiny drawing of a tennis racket for Leighton and a tiny rocket ship for Dylan. I thought this was so cute and brought a lot of clarity to the story.
If you love a coming-of-age story with LGBTQIA+ representation and beautiful artwork, pick up Paper Planes, releasing May 16, 2023.
Thank you to NetGalley, Madcave Studios, Jennie Wood, and Maverick for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts shared above are mine alone.
February 26, 2023
Paper Planes, while having an open ending (should I call it bittersweet? I haven't made up my mind about it yet), left a special mark on my heart. Dylan brought all the damn feels and I found myself attached to their character from the first page itself. The book does a fabulous job of exploring queer relationships - both romantic and platonic - and is quite commendable in the way it addresses identity struggle.
(Read the arc from Netgalley.)
(Read the arc from Netgalley.)
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