The Real Riley Mayes

A Stonewall Book Award Honor and a Sid Fleishman Humor Award Honor-winning debut graphic novel, this story follows fifth-grader Riley as she navigates the challenges of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance. With her best friend gone and her grades slipping due to her passion for drawing, Riley finds solace in her favorite comedian, Joy Powers. When a class assignment leads her to write a letter to Joy, new friendships with classmates Cate and Aaron begin to blossom. However, a malicious rumor forces Riley to confront her feelings and sense of identity, leading to a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the realization of embracing all the parts of oneself. Infused with humor and emotion, Riley's story resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, making it a relatable and inspiring tale.