Duel - by Jessixa Bagley

About the Book

Sixth grader Lucy is brand-new to middle school, and when her older sister GiGi--the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade--humiliates her in the cafeteria, Lucy snaps and challenges her to a fencing duel.

Book Synopsis

A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.

Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade (as well as everything else she does). They've only got one thing in common: fencing. Oh, and they're sisters. They never got along super well, but ever since their dad died, it seems like they're always at each other's throats.

When GiGi humiliates Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy snaps and challenges GiGi to a duel with high sisterly stakes. If GiGi wins, Lucy promises to stay out of GiGi's way; if Lucy wins, GiGi will stop teasing Lucy for good. But after their scene in the cafeteria, both girls are on thin ice with the principal and their mom. Lucy stopped practicing fencing after their fencer dad died and will have to get back to fighting form in secret or she'll be in big trouble. And GiGi must behave perfectly or risk getting kicked off the fencing team.

As the clock ticks down to the girls' fencing bout, the anticipation grows. Their school is divided into GiGi and Lucy factions, complete with t-shirts declaring kids' allegiances. Both sisters are determined to triumph. But will winning the duel mean fracturing their family even further?

Review Quotes

*"An excellent read for fans of Raina Telgemeier or Dan Santat's A First Time for Everything."--Shelf Awareness "12/1/23"

*"This heartening story of growth and a family healing from loss is a natural pick for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale."--Booklist STARRED review "10/15/23"

*"A down-to-earth and emotional family story."--Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW "November/December 2023 Issue"

Married collaborators the Bagleys seamlessly blend sports drama with middle school angst in this cleverly constructed graphic novel; chapters begin by introducing fencing concepts that mirror the action, and past events are conveyed in sequences rendered in dreamy blue linework that juxtaposes present-day full-color spreads. Incisive discussions about grief and the importance of support from family and friends--deepened by the contrast between Lucy's and GiGi's relationships with their best friends--deepens this already rich story of sisterly rivalry that's also an earnest love letter to fencing.--Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW* "9/18/2023"

"Intense and complex, exploring siblings' grief, love, and forgiveness."--Kirkus "10/1/23"

"I loved this book and found myself rooting for both sisters. I adored their complex, funny, and realistic relationship. Kids are going to love this story of sibling rivalry set in the fascinating world of competitive fencing. En garde!"--Victoria Jameson, New York Times bestselling author of Roller Girl

About the Author

Jessixa Bagley is a children's book author-illustrator with a background in fine art and comics. She has had work featured in publications such as New American Paintings, Highlights Magazine, The Stranger, and Illustoria Magazine. She's also the author of the middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie (illustrated by Aaron Bagley) and the author-illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel series Jazzy the Witch. Jessixa is a two-time Washington State Book Award recipient; first in 2016 for her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, and again in 2024 for her graphic novel, Duel. Jessixa also received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for picture book Laundry Day. Many of her books are Junior Library Guild Selections. In her work, she's drawn to animals and emotional themes often inspired by her own experiences. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. She often illustrates for other writers and artistically collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa lives in Seattle with her husband and son.

Aaron Bagley is an illustrator, painter, and comics artist. He loves to draw from observation, life experiences, and his dreams and has filled more than 225 sketchbooks with his drawings. Over the years he's illustrated for numerous organizations including 826 Seattle as well as being featured in publications like The Virginia Quarterly Review, The Stranger, The Seattle Review of Books, and many more. He's a frequent contributor to the Illustoria Magazine for both writing and illustration. Aaron also collaborates with his wife, Jessixa. Together, they've created picture book Vincent Comes Home and middle grade graphic novels Duel and Dear Jackie. Aaron received a 2024 Washington State Book Award for illustrating Duel. He lives in Seattle with his wife and son.