SKIP!

Jay is a poet who struggles with making friends and self-expression—until meeting someone who fulfills a deep desire to connect and belong.

After crashing into Beah and stumbling into an invitation to Skip, Beah’s double Dutch group, Jay, who uses they/them pronouns, finally finds a place to belong and be themself. Jay feels that they know who they are and can achieve their writing dreams with support from their new crew, especially Beah. However, bullying, jealousy, and simmering tensions culminate in an explosive conflict that fractures the group right before their big competition. Ultimately, this tale shows how an apology and support of loved ones can make up for mistakes and help heal those who become hurt. The vibrant and energetic graphic art style evokes the emotional highs and lows of close friendships, while the text complements the imagery to provide insights into Jay’s inner life. Dynamic illustrations carefully draw out and portray empathy for the motivations and complex feelings that drive this character-focused story. The narrative emphasizes that while you can find a sense of belonging with others, you never belong to someone, underscoring that individuality and community can thrive in unison and balance. Jay reads white; Beah has dark-brown skin and black hair, and supporting characters are diverse in skin tone.

A journey of self-discovery, creativity, and belonging centers a sweet, uplifting story of friendship and ambition.