A Little Step (A Little Step #1)

Szeto makes her English-language debut in this wholesome slice-of-life romance manga. Chinese high schooler Yu-kiu Lau yearns to study abroad at the British University of Fine Arts following graduation, but her self-doubt and fear of being perceived negatively prevent her from starting her application. After overhearing the improvised guitar playing of fellow sensitive artist and alleged bad boy Ho-yuet Lee, however, Yu-kiu feels inspired both artistically and romantically. Ho-yuet, meanwhile, struggles to navigate a complicated relationship with his mother and new stepfather, who want Ho-yuet to abandon music to pursue a finance career at a new school. To support each other’s artistic ambitions, Yu-kiu and Ho-yuet team up and enter their school’s 10th anniversary open house competition, which requires they excel in both performance and business-minded ventures and grants a $100,000 prize to the winning group or individual. Oceanic hues complement the characters’ tentative self-exploration, and full-page spreads showcase how the duo’s chosen artistic outlet allows each protagonist the courage to become more comfortable with themselves and those around them. The teens’ gentle courtship—along with a cliffhanger ending—will propel readers into the next volume of this love letter to creative pursuits. An author’s note concludes. Ages 10–up. (Nov.)