The Friendship Paradox

by Aśka

Road trips, physics and friendship collide in this gorgeous graphic novel about the highs and lows of a gap year that is perfect for fans of Heartstopper and The Greatest Thing.

Note to no matter how messy or confusing, the universe is an orderly place with physics to guide you.

High school is over. Dash is excited to spend their gap year working for the local science museum, travelling and teaching kids about physics. Maybe they'll even make a friend. People are part of the universe, so the laws of physics should also apply to them, right?

Except Dash discovers the workplace is just as challenging as school - relationships are confusing, students don't follow the rules and co-workers aren't what they expect. Then Dash meets Kay. Can opposites really attract? Or will Dash's attempts to use physics to understand their world repel a potential friend?

A heartfelt YA graphic novel about friendship and finding your place in a puzzling world by the highly acclaimed comic artist of the CBCA Notable graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes.

The Friendship Paradox is perfect
- Readers aged 13 and up who love funny and uplifting stories about friendship
- Fans of graphic novels like The Greatest Thing, Stars in Their Eyes and Heartstopper
- Readers who love comics and visual storytelling

Praise for The Friendship Paradox:
- 'Dynamic, nuanced, fun - a road trip and friendship story like no other!' Sarah Winifred Searle, multi-award-winning creator of The Greatest Thing
- 'There are three laws of the 1) Aśka is a great storyteller. 2) This book is good. 3) You need to get this.' Reimena Yee, Eisner-nominated creator of Séance Tea Party

Genres: Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Contemporary, Queer

Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Reviews

[Anna Whateley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and I'm not usually a gn reader. The physics analogies were well done, for a non science person, and the consideration of neurodivergence was profound and layered. I'm sure I'll read something new into it each time I pick it up. I also loved the setting, and immersion in outback Western Australia. While there are trauma warnings, I didn't find it gratuitous, overdone, or problematic in any way and would be happy for my 13yo to read.

[Kathleen Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was unexpected. I picked it up as an ebook from my library because it was available and I wanted to read a graphic novel. When it started out being science-y I was worried and thought this isn’t for me, but I learnt things, and in a fun way.

[Fabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun blend of Science and us got to understand social cues and balancing difficult situations.
Fun, bright and accessible!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how real the main character was, represents neurodivergence in a way easily understood while teaching a bit of physics