Stepping Up // A Graphic Memoir

“A balm to my soul.Jen Wang,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Prince and the Dressmaker

A timely and vibrant teen graphic novel memoir about community, friendship, and self-discovery told through the eyes of a high school freshman Kiara, one of the few Black students at her predominantly white boarding schoolperfect for fans ofAlmost American GirlandBrownstone!

Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. Shes at Phillips Academy Andoverthe prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyones pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like shell never fit in.

Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.

Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step upfor herself and her friends?

Kiara Valdezis an Afro-Dominican writer and graphic novel editor from New York City (shout out to Washington Heights). She graduated from Williams College with a double major in English Literature and Japanese, and spends her free time reading, writing, and enjoying a long list of other hobbies she can’t keep up with. She writes graphic novels, pictures books, and story books that include titles such asDear Dad(with Jay Jay Patton and Markia Jenai), Marvel’sLittle Groot, Big FeelingsandWe Are Groot(both with Wendy Tan), andMami’s Magic Words(Richy Snchez Ayala).Stepping Upis her debut original graphic novel.

Diana Tsai Santosis a Blasian illustrator,designer, and professionaldaydreamer. When they arent taking a nap or drifting off into their own thoughts, you can find them whiling away the time with their comics, art, or stories. Visit them online at dianatsaisantos.carrd.co.

• Publisher: HarperAlley
• Publish Date: August 04, 2026
• Pages: 240
• Language: English
• Type: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC: 9780063254534
• Dimensions: 9 in H | 6 in W | 1 lb Wt
• BISAC Categories: Teens & YA