Out of Left Field
$16.99 USD
paperback/graphic novel
A nerdy gay teenager jumps headfirst into the bro-y world of high school baseball in this semi-autobiographical LGBTQ+ graphic novel.
Ninth-grader Jonah is not a jock. On the contrary, he loves history class and nerdy movies, and his athletic ineptitude verges on tragic. So, what’s he doing signing up for the baseball team? Could it have something to do with the cute shortstop, Elliot?
For the rest of high school, Jonah faces challenges on and off the baseball field, from heteronormative social pressure to thrilling romance. Realizing who his real friends are, he figures out what really matters and finally recognizes and embraces his gay identity.
Based on debut author-illustrator Jonah Newman’s coming-of-age experiences, Out of Left Field is a big-hearted and funny YA graphic novel about learning to be yourself.
“Brilliantly written and illustrated high school story that deftly showcases the triumphs and regrets of friendship and finding oneself. A remarkable debut!” —Dav Pilkey, #1 bestselling graphic novelist
“First base, first boyfriends, and believing in yourself—Out of Left Field is a charming tour of the mistakes and triumphs of coming out in high school.” —Ngozi Ukazu, award-winning creator of Check, Please!
Jonah Newman is a cartoonist and editor. As an editor at Graphix, Scholastic's graphic novel imprint, he has worked with Dav Pilkey, Jamar Nicholas, Angeli Rafer, and many others. When he's not creating, editing, or reading comics, you might find Jonah binge-listening to history podcasts, playing in an LGBTQ+ softball league, or getting way too invested in his fantasy baseball team. He lives in Brooklyn with his husband (who's a human) and two kids (who are cats).
"Brilliantly written and illustrated high school story that deftly showcases the triumphs and regrets of friendship and finding oneself. A remarkable debut!" (Dav Pilkey, #1 bestselling graphic novelist)
"First base, first boyfriends, and believing in yourself—Out of Left Field is a charming tour of the mistakes and triumphs of coming out in high school." (Ngozi Ukazu, award-winning creator of Check, Please!)
"Clever paneling and nearly wordless sequences effectively pump the brakes for key moments—and show glimpses of Jonah’s wild imagination... multiple queer characters of all ages at various stages of coming out add an important sense of community and possibility... A welcome hit into the outfield of books about queer athletes." (Kirkus Review)
“In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel debut, Newman presents an empathetic and sometimes painfully frank exploration of finding oneself … Vibrant and fluid illustrations impart a youthful spirit that captures athletic dynamism and the joy that comes with growing into oneself, despite the challenges.” (Publishers Weekly)
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