PLEASE BE MY STAR
Erika knows that people find her weird and off-putting. Instead of making friends, she finds solace in talking to herself and obsessing over actors and idols. When she starts attending a new school, her loneliness takes on a life of its own and she develops a new obsession: the cutest boy in her theater class, Christian.
For some reason, Christian is kind to her and even agrees to star in the play that she wrote for him. Erika starts to find a creative voice that might even lead to new friendship…and romance.
But the more time Erika spends with Christian, the more she wonders what he sees in a creep like her. In this reimagining of Phantom of the Opera, can Erika somehow write her way into the center of her own heartfelt love story? Or does Christian have an ending of his own in mind?
This is my debut fiction graphic novel from Scholastic/Graphix. You can get a copy now at your local or major bookstore! I hope you love my little weirdos as much as I do.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ
This is Erika Early
Our lead: an awkward 17-year-old who just moved from Atlanta, Georgia. She loves watching old movies in her dark basement and obsessing over idols & actors. With no one else to talk to, she talks to herself quite a lot.
This is Christian Dominguez
Erika’s latest obsession: the cutest boy in her theater class. Christian is a 17-year-old who finds escape in comics and music. He’s always helping out his friends and family, but it’s starting to wear him down. Maybe it’s time he does something he wants to for a change.
FROM BOOKLIST
This sweet romance/coming-of-age combo incorporates a great mix of cross-cultural visual homages, including nods to manga, telenovelas, and k-pop stans. Readers will appreciate the vibrant color scheme throughout and the chapter pages with dedicated song lyrics thematic to the story.
Elliott thoughtfully captures the essence of being the weird kid among weird kids and finding connection not despite but because of that quirkiness.
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FROM KIRKUS REVIEWS
Erika’s struggles with mental health strike an empathetic chord that will resonate with readers. The clean, inviting art features varied panel shapes and perspectives and highlights the characters’ emotional expressions.
Manga-style art animates this charming story of self-discovery.
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This is my take on the “ugly duckling” romance – like Kare Kano, Kimi ni Todoke, True Beauty, and Princess Jellyfish – told through the lens of a queer person obsessed with cute boys and dressed in the Phantom’s clothes.
My entire heart is in this story. It has been a gift to draw Christian & Erika & their friends every day. I hope you look forward to reading it! And in the meantime, here’s some preview art and pages to whet your appetite.
