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“A laugh-out-loud story. Kids who refuse to dull their shine will find a familiar character in Bay Ann, who isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

“In this graphic novel debut by an actor and comedian with cerebral palsy, a girl wants to be recognized for her talent, not her disability…Gradually, Bay Ann realizes that her pursuit of fame risks alienating those who genuinely care for her, and she must decide what’s truly important. This bright, lively graphic novel shows how the exuberant Bay Ann navigates daily life with cerebral palsy, incorporating humor without being exploitative.”

– Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Shiny Misfits: A Graphic Novel

Written by Maysoon Zayid
Illustrated by Shadia Amin
Published by Graphix

Bay Ann wants to shine. No matter what.

She’s sure her moment in the spotlight has arrived when she wins the school talent show with a showstopping tap routine! But then her classmate and crush, Alyee Maq, causes her to wobble and almost fall. The video of him catching her goes viral, making Alyee an overnight sensation for “helping her.” Bay Ann is reduced to her disability and her talent is ignored.

Bay Ann doesn’t want her classmate to get all the fame, and she is NOT satisfied being anything but the best. She’ll do everything in her power to beat Alyee at his own attention-seeking game. With the help of her two best friends, Michelle and Davey Matt, she’ll go up against Alyee and his crew to prove she’s number one.

But as Bay Ann tries to find the thing that really makes her stand out, everything she tries goes disastrously wrong. What if the only way to beat her enemy . . . is to join him?

Primary ISBN: 9781338752519
Publication Date: April 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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Engagement Materials:

An Introduction from the Author & Illustrator

Source: Scholastic