The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel

The New Girl #2

by Cassandra Calin

Cassandra Calin returns with this charming and comical follow-up to The New Girl, her long-form graphic novel debut that became a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Indie bestseller! This middle-grade graphic novel about crushing and being crushed is the perfect next read for fans of Guts by Raina Telgemeier, Fruitcake by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza, and Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang.

Lia is finally feeling settled into her new life in Canada. Her friends are amazing, her French is improving, and her periods... ugh, those are still terrible. But Lia's crush, Julien, is noticing her. Lia thinks he likes her, but she can't tell for sure. And while she's obsessing over him, Lia's not noticing another person's growing crush on HER. With so many big feelings and even bigger changes, could things get any worse? In this follow-up to the breakout hit The New Girl, Lia's relationships -- with her friends, her crush, her mom, and even herself -- are all tested like never before.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Cassandra Calin is a Romanian-born Canadian artist. Based in Montreal, she's a comic artist, illustrator, and a graphic designer. “I draw comics inspired by my life and experiences,” Calin writes on her website. “I enjoy laughing at my awkward self and ranting about silly misfortunes such as being born with curly hair.

Reviews

[SH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with this series last year and the second installment did not disappoint!! A fav

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to the second edition to this series for about year and it didn’t disappoint! This series is like a warm hug. I think the scene and conversation around Lia’s period and doctors appointment is such an important topic because it shows medical gaslighting starts young. As a woman with endometriosis the scenes at the doctors office where incredibly real and relatable, and I do hope this conversation continues into the 3rd novel.

[Lucy Grace]

YO WHAT MY PRE HOLD ON LIBBY IS GOING UP RN

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teenage angst and navigating first crushes. I enjoy that this book doesn’t paint sunny rainbows over everything, it’s important for kids to have access to stories that show the complex and imperfect reality of relationships. I don’t think Lia truly learns or makes up for her mistakes in this book, it’s nice that her friends forgave her but I’m not sure why they did. Especially Wan Yin, poor thing. Cassandra Calin always blows me away with her technical ability at comics, everything from the colors, to character designs, to page layouts was perfect and I hope to one day draw this well.

[Eliana Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good! ❤️

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Alerte aux légers spoilers!*

Le premier tome de cette série de BD pour préados/ados avait été un gros coup de coeur pour moi, et je ne suis pas du tout surprise que j’aie tout autant aimé ce deuxième tome! Il y a tellement de thèmes abordés super importants et qui ouvrent la discussion.

Par exemple, les crampes menstruelles de Lia sont récurrentes dans l’histoire, à un point que sa mère l’amène chez le médecin. Et que lui dit le médecin? Apprends à gérer la douleur, prends des midols. N’est-ce pas assez réaliste ça, se faire « gaslighter » par des médecins parce qu’elle est une femme et que tout problème de santé part de l’utérus? 😑 Je pense que c’est une excellente critique de notre système de santé défaillant.

Ensuite, l’intégration de Lia dans son nouveau pays est aussi un thème bien présent, mais comme elle a acquis les bases, on suit plutôt ses relations sociales : ses amitiés et son premier amour! : elle fait des erreurs, elle se met les pieds dans les plats, elle blesse des gens, mais elle finit par apprendre et gagner de la maturité. Je crois vraiment que Lia est un beau modèle pour les jeunes.

Pouvons-nous aussi parler de la scène qui se passe dans une boutique de vêtements, où toutes les filles essayent la même robe et que leurs corps différents font en sorte que la robe ne ressort pas bien sur personne. J’avoue que j’ai un peu eu le motton! Il y avait un message d’acceptation de soi si puissant, et de si belles paroles de la part des filles. J’aimerais que plus d’oeuvres jeunesse aborde l’image corporelle de cette façon!

Cette série mérite sa place dans toutes les classes de 3e cycle du primaire et dans les bibliothèques du secondaire. @cassandracalin a visé plus que juste avec tous les sujets qu’elle a abordés!

Aussi, je l’ai lu en français. Cette BD est disponible dans les deux langues!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in Calin's middle grade graphic novel series about Lia- a Romanian girl who moves to Canada in the first book and now in the second book having sort of ditched her "new girl" status now has her first crush on a boy named Julien. But jealousy rears its head when Julien befriends a catty and pretty girl on the newspaper team too. He chooses to hang out with the other girl but also likes to spend time and plan outings with Lia, though her self-esteem takes a hit and she not only fumbles with a secret from a good friend but also with Julien who decides he needs a little space when she gives him an ultimatum.

It's the kind of story that helps a reader navigate and understand the normality of these experiences with the range of emotions from embarrassment to anger to romance. There's also her family life and navigating her periods which was present in the first book as well. With the signature style from the first graphic novel carried over to the second one, it moves through the school year including Valentine's Day with the warmth and coziness but also fantastical roller coaster that is adolescence.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Scholastic for an ARC of The New Girl: First Crush! This is a wonderful graphic novel with a fabulous coming of age story paired with gorgeous art that allows readers to fall into Cassandra's world. I was a huge fan of The New Girl, the first book in the series, and this incredible sequel picked up right where we last left off. I loved the topics Cassandra dove into within this story; readers get to see Lia becoming even more immersed into her new home and school, getting closer with friends, and even the exciting new chapter of a first boyfriend. Through all of these exciting new journeys, Cassandra still finds ways to incorporate nuanced topics such as jealousy, friendship struggles, discovering one's own identity, and navigating rifts in your personal life. I loved every moment of this delightful sequel and I can't wait for readers to dive back into this world or maybe even fall in love with Lia's story for the first time. This is a marvelous second installment to The New Girl series with eye-catching illustrations, great lessons for young readers, and a story that will entertain and capture the heart of readers of all ages.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this sequel to The New Girl, Lia is back at her school in Montreal, and navigating her crush on Julien. She is also dealing with extremely painful periods that the doctor won't do anything about, and is fighting with friend Wan Yin, after Lia accidentally outs her friend after Wan Yin confesses to having a crush on a girl. There is lots of drama on the school magazine, and even on school trips. Julien likes Lia, and they hang out together, but Lia is very jealous of Jade's friendship with Julien, which doesn't go over well with him. Lia and her friends all struggle with body image, and have to learn to navigate relationships as they get older.

The illustration style is appealing, and the colors are bright. Lia's family has come from Romania, so she is enrolled in a Welcome Class, and her family misses friends and family back in their previous home. Readers who enjoy Tessier's Chloe books or Beka's The Love Report will like this series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Installment!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: these are the kinds of graphic novels I wish I had during those turbulent years after 10. Solidarity, acceptance, a change in perspectives... Learning and pushing past mistakes. We've all gone through our own versions of this, but it's rarely brought to light with such judgment-free honesty. Seeing the genuine concern of the family was moving: the father's support, the mother's medical concerns, and the little brother who has his sister's back just as much as her friends. I hope it reminds younger generations that they aren't alone in their suffering and that they can never truly know what others are going through until you take that chance ro really hear them out. Bravo!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in The New Girl middle grade graphic novel has crush and friend drama. Lia has a crush on Julien from magazine club, and he seems to have a crush on her, too. But Lia's friend Wan Yin has a crush on her. Meanwhile, Lia is still dealing with painful periods and learning a new language. My daughter (8) really loved this, and it was a good way to talk about periods and how they can sometimes be painful. She says she's looking forward to all the drama around crushes, so I guess I have that to look forward to lol. I appreciate that all the friends are supportive and kind. Maybe there are too many to keep track of, but that's okay. The art style is also lovely.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one hit me. Like Lia, I too deal with insecurities and struggling with change, so while the character was predominantly younger than me while I’m an adult, I still felt her struggles and pain like my own. Young or old, you can definitely get something out of this series. I’m hoping more will be released so fingers crossed! 🤞🏻I feel like this series is highly underrated as well- more people need to jump on the “new girl” train and hype this series up because it really deserves it. The art is incredible, as well as the storyline and pacing. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read for me!

[Applepelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok was totally not expecting this someone gave it to me as a surprise and i was so excited

I really like some of the development between charecters totally ship Wan Yin x Lia

I personally dont like Julian so that whole point of the book kinda just "bruh" 4 me

I was so sad when i heard that Iva was moving She always been my fav (or Andreea)

I would like to see more of miss popularity Jade

Anyway i hope there's a 3rd one!!!!!!!

[Blu (blus.bookish.blues)]

3/4/2026 - The fact that this says it's perfect for fans of Fruitcake: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle is making me giggle since that book hasn't been published yet. But it is another one that I'm looking forward to!

[Melody Keeton]

In this sequel, Lia navigates middle school with her friends. But when a new boy enters the picture, everything gets a lot more complicated. Full of heart, charm, and just the right amount of awkward.

[M Albuquerque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to learn what happens next in the third book which I hope there is one I love this book. It’s so good.I really enjoyed the book and the second one is soooo good I need to read the next one. If you liked this book while you are waiting you should read The Love report

[Esopion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, so I was counting down the days to the release of "The New Girl: First Crush"! The art is spectacular and the story is so relatable. I genuinely love this series and the author's work!

[Kourtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this Graphic Novel. I like the illustrations as well as the plot. The plot was so relatable.

[Gaby Top · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING! I recommend this book to people who like friendship and love. You better read this 😁

[Amanda Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

[Gabbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good 😭😭

[Chloe Wheeler]

Julien ohh romantic 💖🤩

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4

[Gowitheflo_0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75/5 ★ StoryGraph

[Lena Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable middle grade graphic novel. I like the art, the portrayal of friendship, and the way the romance was handled. It was bittersweet.

[Shelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork was beautiful and the outfits were stunning. Just as wonderful as the first book.

[suonnahbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰

[Carolina C santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book available when growing up. I'm glad now I can read it through my kid who LOVES the series. The story and the drawings are so good.

[Jourdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I think she tackles middle school stuff very well especially with humor and love as the main themes.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think this was as good as the first one. I was very curious to see how things would pan out, it wasn't my favorite. I do like her friend group and how they're there for each other.