Next Stop: (A Graphic Novel)

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Stand-alone debut Next Stop is a heartfelt graphic-novel from award-winning illustrator Debbie Fong that tackles tough topics with warmth and humor.

Pia is a soft-spoken middle schooler whose life is turned upside down after the loss of her younger brother, followed by her parents’ decision to move to a new town. In an effort to get her mind off of the troubles at home, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions. The final destination: a mysterious underground lake. The locals say it has magical powers; Pia won’t admit she believes in it, but she’s holding on to hope that the waters may hold the answer to mending her broken family.

The trip is much more than the final stop. The friendships that Pia makes along the way are just as valuable as the destination itself. Next Stop explores grief, resilience, and learning how to laugh again. Debbie Fong weaves together an incredibly strong debut filled with humor and heart, with a splash of mystery and magic.

About the Author

Debbie Fong is an Ignatz-nominated comic artist and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She has illustrated multiple children’s nonfiction books, including the best-selling How to Be a Person. She is also the artist behind POMMO Press, an online art shop selling prints, stationery, and other fun goods.

Author Residence: Brooklyn, NY, USA