Leap - by Simina Popescu (Hardcover)

About the Book

A coming-of-age graphic novel following two dancers at a conservative performing arts school--exploring friendship, first love, and what it means to fall out of step with your own dreams.

Book Synopsis

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR by New York Public Library - Kirkus Reviews - School Library Journal

In this stunning debut graphic novel, two dancers chase perfection at a prestigious performing arts boarding school in Bucharest, Romania--grappling with friendship, first love, and what it means to be queer in a conservative city. As they reach for their dreams, the girls begin to question if the future they've worked for is still the future they want. A powerful story about ambition, identity, and daring to make the steps up as you go.

Ana has been studying contemporary dance since she was little, but her heart isn't in it anymore. Instead her focus is on Carina--a beautiful, ambitious ballerina whose fear of being outed keeps Ana in the closet and their fragile relationship from seeing the light of day. Risking her own career, Ana gives up more and more in order to fit into the shadows of Carina's life.

Sara, on the other hand, is fielding whispers she may be the best dancer their school has produced in years. Much of that is thanks to her mentor and instructor, Marlena, who plucked Sara from the classical track and encouraged her to blossom as a contemporary dancer. Sara has always been in awe of Marlena, but recently, that admiration has sparked into something more, and Sara's not sure what to do about it.

As junior year at their performing arts school begins, Ana and Sara are assigned as roommates. What starts off as a tentative friendship soon becomes a much-needed anchor.

Review Quotes

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

★"While the complicatedly unrequited dynamics of both Ana and Sara's relationships will be Relatable to any reader who has danced away a broken heart, their friendship is the truly resplendent pas-de-deux of this queer Eastern European coming-of-age story. . . be sure to pick up this debut graphic novel on its opening night." --BCCB, starred review

★"Rediscover the joy of dancing and explore how gender norms can be bent or broken. An ultimately hopeful portrayal of dance, coming of age, and being true to yourself." --Kirkus, starred review

"Pivotal and transformative. . . . a fluidly illustrated work that gracefully captures the ups and downs of first love, ambition, and friendship." --Publisher Weekly

"A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one's self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance." --School Library Journal

"Beautifully expressive . . . in muted shades of gray and pink with the occasional brilliantly colored splash of dynamic dancing. A touching portrait of girls coming of age and forging their paths to the future. A touching portrait of girls coming of age and forging their paths to the future." --Booklist

"Set against a vivid boarding-school backdrop, this is an emotionally charged story of self-expression, self-discovery, and friendship." --Horn Book

About the Author

Simina Popescu (they/them) is an author, illustrator, and cartoonist. They're passionate about LGBTQIA+ representation in contemporary media and stories about queer friendship, intimacy, and intense emotion. They live in Bucharest, Romania, with a mean cat named Fredi. Leap is Simina's debut graphic novel.