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“A raw glimpse into a teen’s journey toward feeling seen and understood.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Valdez’s graphic novel debut provides thoughtful glimpses into her attempts to settle into a new environment that wasn’t designed with her in mind. Readers will identify with the outsider perspective explored throughout the narrative.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Stepping Up: A Graphic Memoir

Written by Kiara Valdez
Illustrated by Diana Tsai Santos
Published by HarperAlley

Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. She’s at Phillips Academy Andover-the prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates’ endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyone’s pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like she’ll never fit in.

Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.

Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step up-for herself and her friends?

Primary ISBN: 9780063254534
Publication Date: August 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Young Adult, Graphic Memoir, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

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

Setting: United States (New York City NY), United States (Andover MA)

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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