This is an adorable graphic novel focusing on a developing relationship between an anxious and shy hockey player and an openly queer, popular drama kid. The two compliment each others personalities and help to defeat each other's fears and others assumptions about them. Alix is powerful on the ice, but so unsure of the world around her off the ice. Ezra hides his hurt behind scathing quips and an easy smile. The only thing I disliked is the lack of punishment for both Lindsay and Alix's coach. Lindsay's behavior is abhorrent. I loved when Alix finally spoke up for herself and called out all those who sat by silently and allowed the bullying to take place (which is just as bad as the bullying itself). And her coach was awful; she allowed the bullying to go on, blaming Alix, telling her to grow a "tougher skin" and that this is hockey, perpetuating a toxic environment instead of doing her part to change it. Gross! There is no place in hockey for players and coaches like that (kids should never end up hating the sport they love). Loved that this graphic novel was black and white except for pops of blue here and there. The blue seemed to be used to highlight certain people, or emotions. Like when Alix looks at Ezra and the air around her is full of blue swirls. This allowed for the story to shine through and the art to be less subtle and more direct. The two main characters are really able to shine. The romance was slow, but flowed naturally as the two main characters confronted their own pasts and pushed themselves to ask for more for themselves. Alix works on her relationship with her artistic mother and Ezra confronts his own apprehension about his mother's new boyfriend. There were a couple moments I think that could have used a bit more information, and I think if there is a second book maybe this will be talked about then and worked out. Mostly, it had to do with Alix and Ezra's best friend Olive. I wanted more of a connection there, or more of a confrontation in terms of past behaviour. But, I did love that this had found family elements, and that the theatre nerds were working on an adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors!
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