Black Dolls Vol. 1: A kick-ass graphic novel about a Black female pop-punk band

by Rachel Faturoti, Flo Woolley (Illustrator)

Heartstopper meets pop-punk as four Black teenagers form a band to slay the music industry and smash its exclusionist rules. A YA graphic novel about finding your tribe and figuring out your identity in a world that tries to define you.

Jada, has always dreamed of tearing up the tired rulebook of the music industry. When Clash of the Bands is announced, she grabs the chance to creahte Black
Influencer Sassy on lead vocals
Silvee, shy but a killer bassist
Dana, guitarist and ex-child star with insider knowledge on the industry
And Jada herself, rhythm legend on drums and vocals
But with competing leads and rivalries, band life is continual drama. The Black Dolls are also battling overbearing families, identity questions, paternity tests, and media exploitation as they try to keep their dreams alive.

Can Black Dolls work together to overcome their differences and take over the music industry? Or will they crash and burn before they skyrocket ...

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Contemporary

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2025

About the author

Rachel Faturoti is a British-Nigerian YA and children’s fiction writer, editor, and poet with a passion for broadening the scope of authentic Black representation in YA and children’s fiction. She believes it’s important for readers to see themselves represented well in stories.

Reviews

[Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé]

I have been waiting for a story like this since I was a kid. The illustrations were wonderful, the writing was great and I now have a new favourite literary cat.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a great concept and I really liked the illustration style, however the execution of the story felt a little clunky at times. It was a fun read and I’d be intrigued by the sequel but the flow didn’t quite work for me.

[Staf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een ‘black girl rock band’ met alle struggles, vooroordelen en spanningen die daarbij komen kijken. Heel goed gedaan. De vier persoonlijkheden komen mooi uit de verf, met hun eigen angsten, verledens en ambities. Ideaal om te lezen in de periode van Sound Track. Also: Queenie de poes is wel érg grappig. Supertoffe referenties naar DnD ook. Heel benieuwd naar deel 2!

[Takealookinsideabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a must for me as I love Rachel's books and also adore graphic novels!

This was a fun and feisty story filled with misfits and mayhem and im already so excited for volume 2..

Black Dolls introduces us to...

🎤Sassy, our leading lady on vocals and is also an influencer! She tends to have commitment issues and some drama of her own to deal with.

🎸Silvee, our badass bass player who is not a stranger to the music world but suffers killer stage fright.

🎸Dina, and ex child star and a glorious guitar player! She has an obvious love for music but isn't so fond of the cameras.

🥁Jada is the founder of Black Dolls and is a force to be reckoned with! She is our daring drum player and can never say no to a fight 🤣

If you're in the mood for a brilliant story filled with music and major girl power then you need to pick this up!

[Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this graphic novel, each character feels like a very real individual person, and they all bring something different to the band. i will say that jada being extremely control was frustrating and kinda stressing me out

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this genre and loved the story and illustrations

[Dami Fawehinmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely INCREDIBLE book, I loved every page and felt so seen in these characters especially Dina. I can’t wait for volume 2!!!!!

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ rating

Hopefully there’s character development for Jada in Vol 2 because she be getting on my last nerve!

[Amy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for volume 2.

[Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 Stars ⭐️