Doodles from the Boogie Down - by Stephanie Rodriguez (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A young Dominican girl navigates middle school, her strict mother, shifting friendships, and her dream of being an artist"--

Book Synopsis

A young Dominican girl navigates middle school, her strict mother, shifting friendships, and her dream of being an artist in this debut coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by the author's tween years.

Eighth grade in New York City means one thing: It's time to start applying to high schools! While her friends are looking at school catalogs and studying for entrance exams, Steph is doodling in her notebook and waiting for art class to begin. When her art teacher tells her about LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Steph desperately wants to apply. But she's in the Bronx, and LaGuardia is a public school in Manhattan--which her mom would not approve of. Steph comes up with a plan that includes lying to her mom, friends, and teachers. Keeping secrets isn't easy, and Steph must decide how far she'll go to get what she wants.

Doodles from the Boogie Down is a sparkling semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic novel debut set in the early aughts that's perfect for fans of Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm and Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.

Review Quotes

Praise for Doodles from the Boogie Down by Stephanie Rodriguez:

A New York Public Library 2023 Top Ten Book for Children
2024 Américas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature COMMENDED TITLE
2023 MISelf in Books Masterlist (Michigan)

"Bright, bubbly."
--Kelly Fernández, award-winning author of Manu

"A fun and engaging story about friendship, family, and never giving up on your dreams."
--Terri Libenson, New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends series

"Doodles from the Boogie Down is an absolutely delightful debut. Readers will fall in love with creative Steph and her warmhearted world, and be inspired to do some doodling--and dreaming!--of their own."
--Megan Wagner Lloyd, bestselling author of Allergic

"A relatable and heartening story for all past, present, and future art kids!"
--Kayla Miller, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of the Click graphic novels

"Fans of Smile (Graphix 2010), Real Friends (First Second 2017), and The Baby-Sitters Club series will gobble up this one up."
--Michelle Glatt, Librarian, Chiddix Junior High School, Normal, Illinois for School Library Connection

"Upbeat and effervescent... An artfully rendered, sweetly impressive coming-of-age journey."
--Kirkus Reviews

"With sincerity and precision, Rodriguez captures Steph's feelings of frustration with her loved ones and awe at the inherent beauty of the world around her, which she depicts in her art."
--Publishers Weekly

Tweens who are feeling the pressure and challenges of school, friends, and family will find Steph's story especially relatable."
--Michelle Ortega for Booklist

A New York Public Library 2023 Top Ten Book for Children

About the Author

Stephanie Rodriguez is a Bronx-born comic book artist and illustrator. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2011 with a BFA in illustration. Stephanie creates illustrations and self-published comics depicting the highs and lows of everyday life. Her work has been featured on BuzzFeed, Remezcla, VaynerMedia, and NPR. Doodles from the Boogie Down is her debut middle grade graphic novel.