Don’t Cosplay with My Heart

Edan goes to Comic Con dressed as the best superhero ever, Gargantua, who was smart and tall but had been out of publication for years. When the new movie with Team Tomorrow, featuring her favorite comic book character, spurs a contest for the best-dressed superhero, she has a plan of action, one that includes creating a club at school and learning to sew. With her new boyfriend and best friend at her side, she thinks things will be good, but when her father’s legal troubles extend beyond their household and someone steals the club’s money, her whole world crumbles, and not a boyfriend or best friend will save her.

This is a fast read, partly because the writing is so simple. However, the topics addressed, including gender identities, boy-girl relationships, and mother-daughter interactions, make this story suitable for older readers. Edan’s strong belief and respect for her body will have readers cheering for her gumption and strength of will while her belief in the truth will encourage others not to lose hope. The parallels and background of her favorite superhero provide an added layer to her story and will attract those who have sometimes needed an alter ego.