Belle of the Ball
Belle of the Ball
Select a format:
Perma-Bound Edition ©2023--
Publisher's Hardcover ©2023--
Paperback ©2023--
To purchase this item, you must first login or register for a new account.
Roaring Brook Press
Annotation: A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring th... more
 
Reviews: 4
Catalog Number: #382522
Format: Perma-Bound Edition
Special Formats: Graphic Novel Graphic Novel
Copyright Date: 2023
Edition Date: 2023 Release Date: 03/21/23
Pages: 312 pages
ISBN: Publisher: 1-250-78412-3 Perma-Bound: 0-8000-5676-0
ISBN 13: Publisher: 978-1-250-78412-4 Perma-Bound: 978-0-8000-5676-6
Dewey: Fic
Dimensions: 22 cm
Language: English
Reviews:
ALA Booklist

Shy and quirky high-school senior B. Hawkins has a crush on popular cheerleader Regina Moreno. When B. takes a risk and asks Regina to the winter dance, Regina's star-athlete girlfriend, Chloe Kitagawa, puts B. in her place. When Chloe is at risk of failing English and getting kicked off the soccer team, the arrogant Regina uses B.'s feelings to her advantage and charms B. into tutoring Chloe. But Regina's plan backfires when B. and Chloe find they have a lot in common and sparks begin to fly. Costa's graphic novel is a hilarious romance about a different kind of love triangle. All three characters' story arcs change in satisfying ways, riding a steady theme of finding one's confidence; the relationships feel as complicated and as real as any you would find in today's high schools. The color palette is fun and offbeat, working many shades of pink. A page-turner from beginning to end and a must-read for fans of Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series.

School Library Journal (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Gr 9 Up —When high school mascot Hawkins finally works up the courage to ask her crush Gina Moreno to the school dance, she doesn't realize that Gina already has a girlfriend—star soccer player Chloe Kitagawa, who is Hawkins's former childhood friend. Gina shoots Hawkins down, but sees an opportunity. She asks Hawkins to tutor Chloe in English, her worst subject. Hawkins is willing to do anything to get in Gina's good graces and jumps at the chance. At first, it seems that Hawkins and Chloe couldn't be more different, but over time, they learn that they have more in common than they thought. Romantic feelings blossom in the group, resulting in a love triangle. Costa's illustrations in various shades of pink throughout the novel make the story feel bright and cheerful. All three main characters are well developed and distinct from one another in their interests, personalities, and strengths. Hawkins and Chloe both show significant character development over the course of the story, becoming more comfortable with themselves and one another. Costa raises important questions about societal expectations, identity, and self-expression that will be relatable to teens. Reminiscent of classic high school rom-coms, this graphic novel is delightful and sweet, perfect for fans of Alice Oseman's "Heartstopper." VERDICT A sweet sapphic rom-com, this book is a must for any teen graphic novel collection.—Jillian Girardeau

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
ALA Booklist
Horn Book
Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2023)
Reading Level: 10.0
Interest Level: 9-12

A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush.High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There's only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star...and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her.And while Regina's plan works at first, she doesn't realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom...but not between who you might expect. With Belle of the Ball, cartoonist Mariana Costa has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes into your new favorite teen romantic comedy.


*Prices subject to change without notice and listed in US dollars.
Perma-Bound bindings are unconditionally guaranteed (excludes textbook rebinding).
Paperbacks are not guaranteed.
Please Note: All Digital Material Sales Final.