Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disabled teen finds sweet queer romance at comic con.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As STARS IN THEIR EYES opens, Australian teen Maisie is on her way to her first fan convention. She recently had an above-the-knee amputation, and she's somewhat self-conscious. At the convention, she meets a cute volunteer named Ollie, who's nonbinary, and they geek out about hopefully meeting a performer with an amputation similar to Maisie's. The more they talk, the more they click. But after the show is over and they both go home, there will be 500 miles between them. Does their new relationship even have a chance?
Is It Any Good?
First love is special, and this sweet coming-of-ager gives it its due. In Stars in Their Eyes, author Jessica Walton and artist Aska capture convention culture and treat it with respect and humor. The nerdy meet-cute and banter between Maisie and Ollie is wonderful, Maisie's mom is amazing (and their open, healthy mom-daughter relationship is enviable), and the challenging aspects of Maisie's disability are balanced by the hope she feels as she's able to do what she loves and sees people like her in popular media. The book's ending is ambiguous, and readers will undoubtedly want more of these dynamic characters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Stars in Their Eyes and how it portrays comic fandom. Is the verdict positive? Are there negative aspects?
Maisie faces some challenges getting around with her prosthesis. Why is it important that public places like hotels and convention centers are accessible to people with disabilities?
Are long-distance romances possible? What kinds of communication skills are needed to help them succeed? How might the character strengths of courage and curiosity help Maisie and Ollie build their relationship?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Aska
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : August 1, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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