By Nora Neus

Illustrated by Julie Robine

On Sale: Apr 1, 2025
Page Count: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Ink
ISBN-13: 9780316439930

$18.99

$24.99 CAD

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“Direct but not too heavy, bright with color and gentle in tone, Neus’s graphic novel is an absolute dream of an afternoon read.” —The New York Times

A swoonworthy queer romance set against a riveting story of social change in the 1880s, this historical graphic novel reimagines the life of America’s first stunt girl—a young undercover reporter—and her whirlwind summer of romance and fighting injustice.

Seventeen-year-old Helena “Nell” Cusack came to New York this summer looking for a story—a real story. She dreams of one day writing hard-hitting articles for the New York Chronicle, but so far she’s only managed to land a job as a lowly society reporter. That is, until Alice Austen strolls into her life, an audacious street photographer who encourages Nell to shake up polite society…and maybe also take a chance on love.

When her best friend, Lucia, is injured while working in a garment factory, Nell is determined to crack the story wide open. Posing as a seamstress, she reports on the conditions from the inside, making a name for herself as the Chronicle’s first ever stunt girl. But as Nell’s reporting gains momentum, so do the objections of those who oppose her. Will Nell continue to seek justice—even if it hurts her in the end?

Based on real-life stunt girl Nell Nelson and photographer Alice Austen, this tenderly drawn narrative is about bringing buried stories to light and the bravery of first love.

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Nora Neus is an Emmy Award–nominated journalist and writer who has reported from inside wartime Ukraine during the Russian invasion, from behind bars at a maximum security prison, from 14,000 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains, and from rural Puerto Rico after devastating earthquakes. Nora studied the history of journalism, with a focus on the turn of the twentieth century, for her master’s degree from King’s College London. She invites you to visit her online at noraneus.com.

Julie Robine is a French American designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn. She previously collaborated with Nora Neus and Syrian journalist Muhammad Najem on his graphic memoir, Muhammad Najem, War Reporter. Julie received her bachelor’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She invites you to visit her online at julierobine.com.

★"Nell and Alice’s tender, nuanced relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a rigidly conservative society, offering a heartfelt exploration of labor rights, agency, and queer identity in an engrossing, socially conscious tale that resonates with contemporary discussions of systemic injustice and personal resilience."
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A rewarding light read that may awaken questions of social justice."
School Library Journal
"Informative historical fiction about important trailblazers featuring a charming queer romance."
Kirkus Reviews
"The art vividly captures the diverse population of New York among the bucolic parks, busy streets, and grimy industrial workshops characteristic of the period...A dashing tale of justice, bravery, and love."

Booklist
"Direct but not too heavy, bright with color and gentle in tone, Neus’s graphic novel is an absolute dream of an afternoon read."
The New York Times

Teaching tips to discuss the history behind the novel.

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Nora Neus

About the Author

Nora Neus is an Emmy Award–nominated journalist and writer who has reported from inside wartime Ukraine during the Russian invasion, from behind bars at a maximum security prison, from 14,000 feet above sea level in the San Juan Mountains, and from rural Puerto Rico after devastating earthquakes. Nora studied the history of journalism, with a focus on the turn of the twentieth century, for her master’s degree from King’s College London. She invites you to visit her online at noraneus.com.

Julie Robine is a French American designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn. She previously collaborated with Nora Neus and Syrian journalist Muhammad Najem on his graphic memoir, Muhammad Najem, War Reporter. Julie received her bachelor’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She invites you to visit her online at julierobine.com.

Learn more about this author

Julie Robine

About the Illustrator

Julie Robine is a French American designer and illustrator based in Brooklyn. She previously collaborated with Nora Neus and Syrian journalist Muhammad Najem on his graphic memoir, Muhammad Najem, War Reporter. Julie received her bachelor’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. She invites you to visit her online at julierobine.com.

Learn more about this illustrator

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Renegade Girls (A Graphic Novel)

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