Float

Gr 7 Up--Not quite enemies-to-lovers and not quite friends-to-lovers, but somewhere in between. Based on Marchant's novel of the same name, readers follow Waverly Lyons as she navigates a completely different world when she is forced to leave her Alaska home to stay with her aunt in Florida for the summer. Florida is the polar opposite of her normal day-to-day, and it seems like all the local kids care about is the beach, partying, and drama. Like a riptide, Waverly is pulled into the local drama of her cute neighbor, Blake, who she may have a crush on; her new coworker and friend, Lena; Lena's twin brother; and Blake's ex-girlfriend. But Waverly harbors another secret that seems to make her a social pariah: she doesn't know how to swim, and only Blake is aware. Though Waverly wishes he would take a special interest in her and hopes that is why he is offering to teach her to swim, his only reason seems to be that, as a lifeguard, it's his duty. Or is it? The illustrations, like the story, are flowy and fun. Full-color artwork bursts off the pages with summery hues. A perfect pick for fans of Victoria Grace Elliot's Please Be My Star and Andi Porretta's Ready or Not. VERDICT A charming story with a rom-com vibe, this graphic novel is an enjoyable, lighthearted, and summery read.--Cat Miserendino

In this series opener, 17-year-old Alaskan Waverly Lyons goes to spend two months in the small coastal town of Holden, Florida, with her aunt Rachel. At first, Waverly has difficulty adapting to her new environment, but she begins to befriend some of the locals, finds a job, and meets her aloof neighbor, Blake Hamilton, a lifeguard with his own yet-to-be-revealed issues. Marchant excels in capturing themes of self-discovery and budding romantic tension between the two white-presenting leads. Waverly's journey of growth feels natural and relatable, with internal monologue appearing in rectangular text bubbles and accompanying the dialogue and external action. Joaquin's artwork enhances the storytelling through its warm and inviting color palette, which utilizes both soft pastels and vibrant tropical tones to create an immersive atmosphere. Blurring simulates motion and movement. While the plot follows familiar genre tropes, the small-town setting enhances the charm and brings echoes of simpler times to this contemporary tale. The character designs are expressive, capturing subtle emotions effectively through body language, while the scenic backgrounds bring the coastal setting to life. The paneling is well-paced, ensuring smooth transitions between comedic, romantic, and emotional moments. This graphic novel, originally released on WEBTOON, was based on Marchant's Wattpad novel of the same name, and the story has also been made into a film. Engaging characters and appealing, nostalgic artwork make for a satisfying read.(Graphic romance. 13-17) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.