Belle of the Ball

In this 2023 graphic novel from First Second, Belle of the Ball is a standalone coming-of-age story that explores identity, friendship, and the pressures of high school through the lens of a debutante ball. The book is written and illustrated by a single creator, whose warm, expressive art captures the emotional highs and lows of its teen protagonist. As a recent addition to the publisher's acclaimed line of young adult graphic novels, it stands out for its nuanced take on social expectations and self-discovery.