Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an advanced copy of Leap by Simina Popescu to review! 2024 truly has been the year of graphic novels, even coming up to the end of the year. This book can definitely be added to that list, with beautiful art and strong emotional storytelling.

While the dancing does take center stage in this book, Sara and Ana’s journey coming out and coming to terms with their identity is also a huge part of the plot. They’re both struggling with their identity in a profession that doesn’t always look fondly on queer people. Both of them struggle with this as they decide where they want their futures to go.

In addition to identity, Popescu also focuses on the difficulties of being in the dance world, including body image issues and the pressure to always be practicing. These are struggles that teens outside of the dance world can also relate to, and they are done in a way that feels applicable to teens.

I’m not sure if this is going to be in full color when finished or in the color palette shown on the cover, but either way, the art does justice to the story. If you like graphic novels that explore identity, definitely check this one out! 

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Review to come!