Out of Left Field

January 8, 2024
Ninth grader Jonah knows two things for certain: he’s not gay and he doesn’t like baseball. So why is the idea of joining his high school baseball team for the opportunity to hang out with cute, friendly classmate Elliot so appealing? Jonah’s entrance onto the baseball diamond is not without its fair share of fits and starts: he’s not particularly athletic, and his fear of being perceived as gay forces Jonah to make himself smaller around his teammates. Alongside Jonah’s struggles accepting his sexuality and contending with heteronormative pressures, female teammate Amelia determines to not let yearslong benching and the captain’s misogyny get in the way of her dreams. As the years progress toward graduation, and as Jonah’s love life starts looking up, he’s forced to make a choice between prioritizing his budding relationship or keeping it a secret to fit in. In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel debut, Newman presents an empathetic and sometimes painfully frank exploration of finding oneself via his own high school experiences. Vibrant and fluid illustrations impart a youthful spirit that captures athletic dynamism and the joy that comes with growing into oneself, despite the challenges. Jonah is depicted with pale skin and freckles; other characters are rendered with varying skin tones. Ages 14–17.

Starred review from January 15, 2024
A closeted teen steps up to the plate for a cute boy--and himself. After jocks ridicule and knock over his history class presentation, freshman Jonah picks up the pieces. Cute classmate Elliot helps. That small act of kindness makes sparks fly, cuing confusing feelings. Jonah decides to join the baseball team to get closer to Elliot--even if it means enduring more bullying from the other teammates. But Coach Jackson sees Jonah's athletic potential and takes him under his wing. As the plot follows the four baseball seasons until Jonah's graduation, Jonah slowly goes from laughingstock to star. But does he ever truly fit in? Cartoonist and editor Newman's semiautobiographical graphic novel debut is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery. Consolidating all four years of high school into one book makes for a quick pace. Clever paneling and nearly wordless sequences effectively pump the brakes for key moments--and show glimpses of Jonah's wild imagination. Despite the rampant bro culture and homophobia of the aughts setting, multiple queer characters of all ages at various stages of coming out add an important sense of community and possibility. A subplot about a female teammate briefly touches on sexism. Though the ensemble cast is diverse in skin tone, the majority of the main cast present white; Coach Jackson is Black. A welcome hit into the outfield of books about queer athletes. (author's note, process notes, resources) (Graphic fiction. 14-17)

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April 15, 2024
Grades 9-12 Newman's semi-autobiographical debut graphic novel is sure to hit a home run with queer high-school readers. In this earnest coming-of-age narrative revolving around self-acceptance, Jonah is used to being the history nerd everyone picks on. That is, until he joins the school's baseball team in hopes of impressing his crush, Elliot. Over the course of the four years of high school, Jonah struggles with discovering who he truly is while simultaneously trying to fit into the baseball world of jocks--two endeavors often directly at odds. While the pace feels a bit brisk at times, Newman's representation and portrayal of Jonah's journey offer relatable themes for young adults, including discovering one's sexuality, dealing with microaggressions, and recognizing unequal treatment. Similar to Ngozi Ukazu's Check, Please! series, Newman's story celebrates friendship and self-discovery amid the backdrop of sports. Newman's artistic style, characterized by thick black lines and cartoonish charm, aptly captures Jonah's emotions. This captivating read encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and have compassion for others.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 24, 2024

Gr 6-9-Jonah's coming out story tracks him from a French history-loving, nerdy high school underclassman to an unexpected baseball hero at graduation. Along the way, much unfolds: He makes good friends with a girl he previously tried to consider as a romantic attraction, he fails to realize the boy on whom he has a semi-aware crush on is gay, he copes with stereotypical and foul-mouthed bullies, and he is brought to the realization of his sexual identity by an openly gay classmate. The candy-colored art is bouncy. Jonah himself is white with red hair and his classmates have a variety of skin tones. His Black baseball coach is tolerant, although perhaps not outwardly gay-friendly, while his French teacher is openly lesbian without pushing Jonah towards his own self-awareness. Newman's graphic novel/roman � clef deploys sardonic humor in the visual details while keeping the characters and plot clear and engaging for readers, whether or not they catch these sly features. VERDICT An excellent graphic novel for kids of any orientation or awareness.-Francisca Goldsmith

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