Abuzz

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing gets a modern spin in Chase’s debut graphic novel rom-com. Bespectacled Hero is nervous about attending a new school, especially since the only people they know at Messina High are their mother, who’s also the principal, and their cousin Beatriz. Upon meeting Claudio, a fellow new student with dreamy feathery brown hair, the instantaneous attraction between Hero and Claudio teems with all the sweet awkwardness of gentle first love. As the school year progresses—and as they navigate myriad social challenges involving bullies and their prospective futures—Hero, Claudio, and other new friends conspire to reunite Beatriz with her longtime BFF and crush Ben, with whom she’s recently been feuding. Stelladia (the Potions Inc. series) adds verve to the unfolding series of events via bold and varied color palettes alongside dynamic paneling, as when readers view a portion of the homecoming dance through a masquerade mask. School event fliers that mirror the source material’s five-act structure precede each chapter, while social media posts provide extraneous character details and behind-the-scenes action. It’s a delightfully affirming meet-cute send-up buzzing with over-the-top humor and drama as experienced by passionate, intersectionally diverse characters. Ages 14–up. (Nov.)