Today's book review is BUNT by Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert's book tour sponsored by Turn the Page Book Tours. Find out more about this home run of a coming-of-age adventure below and read my review,
My Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to step up to the plate and swing into the delightful world of 'Bunt' by Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert, where the game of softball becomes an unexpected canvas for college dreams. In this exhilarating coming-of-age novel, Molly Bauer's journey takes an unexpected turn when her full-ride scholarship at PICA disappears, leaving her to trade her paintbrush for a softball glove.
The authors, known for the New York Times best-selling 'Check, Please' series, deliver a narrative that is as vibrant and dynamic as the characters themselves. The animation style, reminiscent of Adventure Time and Steven Universe, adds a whimsical touch to Molly's rollercoaster of a freshman year.
'Bunt' skillfully weaves themes of authenticity, the clash between old and new, and the looming question of the value of art school. The plot takes an entertaining twist as Molly and her eclectic group of art students must conquer the softball field to secure a massive athletic scholarship. Can this team of misfit artists rise to the challenge, or will they drop the ball?
The novel not only explores the highs and lows of college life but also prompts readers to reflect on the pursuit of artistic passion and the sacrifices made in the process. Ngozi Ukazu and Mad Rupert strike a perfect balance between humor, heart, and the complexities of young adulthood.
'Bunt' is a home run of a read, offering a fresh perspective on the college experience. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a softball fanatic, or simply looking for a fun and thought-provoking story, this book is a must-add to your reading list. So, grab your glove and join Molly's ragtag team for an unforgettable adventure that proves sometimes the best art is created when you play outside the lines.
TITLE: Bunt!
AUTHOR: Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert
PUBLISHER: First Second (Macmillan Children’s Books)
RELEASE DATE: February 13, 2024
GENRES: New Adult, graphic novel, coming-of-age
BUY LINKS:
Bookshop
SYNOPSIS:
Molly Bauer's first year of college is not the picture-perfect piece of art she'd always envisioned. On day one at PICA, Molly discovers that—through some horrible twist of fate—her full-ride scholarship has vanished! But the ancient texts (PICA's dusty financial aid documents) reveal a loophole. If Molly and 9 other art students win a single game of softball, they'll receive a massive athletic scholarship. Can Molly's crew of ragtag artists succeed in softball without dropping the ball?
The author of the New York Times best-selling Check, Please series, Ngozi Ukazu returns with debut artist Madeline Rupert to bring an energetic young adult story about authenticity, old vs. new, and college failure. It also poses the question: “Is art school worth it?”
About the author and illustrator:
Ngozi Ukazu is a DC Comics artist, New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist, and the creator of comics like Check, Please!, BUNT!, and the forthcoming graphic novel FLIP. She graduated from Yale University, and since 2020 her cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker. Find Ngozi Ukazu on her website, ngoziu.com.
Mad Rupert is less than 5 feet tall and lives in Somerville, Massachusetts. She got her start in online comics over ten years ago, and authors two ongoing webcomics: Sakana, a slice-of-life workplace comedy, and Robber-Robert, a sci-fi romance for mature readers. She has also worked extensively on comic adaptations of Cartoon Network properties like Adventure Time, Regular Show, and Steven Universe. When not making comics, Mad enjoys spending time with her partner and their very old dog, going to the gym, and playing Minecraft. ‘Mad’ is short for Madeline, she’s not actually angry. Find Mad on her website: madrupert.wixsite.com.