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“With touches of magical realism, a slice-of-life road trip story gradually transforms into a profound journey of loss, grief, guilt, and healing. …Through deftly crafted plotting and pacing, the emotional tension increases incrementally as each part of Pia’s story is revealed. Readers will root for her as she processes her pain, finds solace and friendship among her fellow travelers, and begins to move toward acceptance.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

Next Stop

Written by Debbie Fong
Illustrated by Debbie Fong
Published by Random House Graphic

Pia is a soft-spoken middle schooler whose life is turned upside down after the loss of her younger brother, followed by her parents’ decision to move to a new town. In an effort to get her mind off of the troubles at home, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions. The final destination: a mysterious underground lake. The locals say it has magical powers; Pia won’t admit she believes in it, but she’s holding on to hope that the waters may hold the answer to mending her broken family.

The trip is much more than the final stop. The friendships that Pia makes along the way are just as valuable as the destination itself. Next Stop explores grief, resilience, and learning how to laugh again. Debbie Fong weaves together an incredibly strong debut filled with humor and heart, with a splash of mystery and magic.

Primary ISBN: 9780593425206
Publication Date: March 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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