Don't Cosplay with My Heart - Hardcover

Cecil Castellucci grew up in New York City and is the author of such young adult novels as Rose Sees Red, Boy Proof, and The Year of the Beast, as well as the comic books The Plain Janes, Janes in Love, and Shade: The Changing Girl. Currently, Cecil Castellucci lives in Los Angeles. You can learn more about her at misscecil.com.

Gr 7 Up—Edan Kupferman, self-described nerd is thrilled that her favorite comic book, Team Tomorrow, is about to be turned into a movie. Unfortunately, her dad is dealing with a not-so-small legal problem and putting everyone on edge. Edan makes the best of the situation by donning a mask and learning how to cosplay, even starting a club at school with her lesbian best friend Kasumi. As she navigates the world of geekdom, she encounters male figures who put her down as fake or not nerdy enough. Castelluci writes that, "everyone is a nerd about something," because everyone has something they're passionate about. Edan looks to her favorite character Gargantua for empowerment, imagining herself, like her hero, growing in size in times of conflict. She hides behind her mask and struggles with her feelings, not just about her father but about two guys she is torn between. This contemporary coming-of-age novel appropriate for younger YA readers is filled with all things nerd: cosplay, comics, and conventions. Short chapters interspersed with information on Team Tomorrow make this a quick pick and good choice for reluctant readers. Characters are fully formed with unique identities and Edan undergoes tremendous growth. The plot is at times heavy-handed with obvious foreshadowing leading to an unsurprising but satisfying conclusion. For those who enjoyed Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde or Geekerella by Ashley Poston. VERDICT An entertaining selection filled with vivid characters; for general purchase where geek is chic.—Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, FL