About
With senior year finally behind them, Cassie and her three best friends are on their way to what’s next. Like their parents, the crew has always been inseparable: there’s Marcy, the artist, for whom style is self-expression and sarcasm is a love language; Aaron, the future lawyer, whose good humor balances out his competitive streak; Nico, the musician, whose flirtatiousness, obliviousness, and recent interest in a rising senior are becoming increasingly unbearable to Cassie; and of course, Cassie herself, the only one who doesn’t have her future all figured out.
This summer is their last chance to make memories together in New York City before everyone but Cassie scatters across the globe for college—and she’s determined to make the most of it. Her plan? They’ll spend August playing the game of dares and risks they invented as kids! From adventurous to outrageous, these dares will definitely make for an unforgettable summer. Even better, Cassie is hopeful they’ll help the group stay friends no matter what . . . because she is not ready for a future without them.
Art direction and design by Karyn Lee
Developmental editing by Alex Borbolla
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Acclaim
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★ “Andi Porretta’s debut graphic novel, Ready or Not, dances on the edge between youth and adulthood. Its characters are vibrant and fun, but they’re also facing a lot of change—which lets the story explore the joy, pain and chaos of growing up. Porretta’s expressive, colorful art style lends itself well to the emotional ups and downs of this charming story. . . . It’s a great life lesson for all ages: Just because you’re growing up doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.” —BookPage (starred review)
★ “Each character’s vivid, varied personality is represented via bold-hued backgrounds and text bubbles that overlay the already colorful metropolitan setting . . . Breezy and earnest, Porretta’s debut graphic novel makes a unique commencement gift for the contemporary high school graduate.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Porretta’s debut is narrated through speech bubbles and color-coded texts, and it captures Generation Z in all their exuberance and acceptance as well as anxiety. . . . The attractive, jewel-toned art dynamically conveys the urban setting. Light and refreshing fare.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Teens moving past their high schools will recognize Cassie and her group’s struggle as they decide how to maintain their friendships as they all set off on their next big adventures.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“A coming-of-age story with relevant themes of growing up, figuring out how to balance responsibility with fun, and learning how to hold on to the most important people in your life.” —Booklist
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Availability
Simon & Schuster / BookShop / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Amazon
For best practices against capitalism, please order from an independent bookstore or check out books from your local library whenever possible. (And whenever you support queer- and BIPOC-owned bookstores, know that I am sending extra love and appreciation your way.)
