New Release Review: You Belong Here by Sara Phoebe Miller, with art by Morgan Beem

Sara Phoebe Miller’s You Belong Here is an emotionally charged, visually stunning graphic novel that perfectly captures the angst and uncertainty of growing up. Set against the backdrop of Essie Rosen’s senior year of high school, this debut is a tender exploration of identity, family struggles, and the weight of expectations, all delivered with a powerful mix of poignant storytelling and beautifully expressive illustrations. Check out my full thoughts on this 5 star story – and pick up You Belong Here, out now!

You Belong Here

by Sara Phoebe Miller, Morgan Beem
Published by: First Second
Genres: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, New Adult, Young Adult
Bookshop
Goodreads

A young adult graphic novel following Essie through heartbreak, star-crossed romance, teen drama, and the question on every high-school senior’s lips: where do I belong?

It’s the first day of senior year and seventeen-year-old Essie Rosen is already over it. Her best friend went off to college and barely responds to her texts, her brother’s on the other side of the country in rehab, every conversation with her mom becomes a fight, and her long-term boyfriend, Bruno, feels weirdly distant. Essie’s counting down the days until she can escape her Long Island hometown and join her bff at NYU, where she’s SURE she’ll get into the acting program she’s dreamed about for years.

But when Essie gets dumped AND botches her college audition, her entire trajectory changes. Instead of doing community theater, she ends up slumming it in the school play, where she’s cast opposite the unexpectedly charming Christopher Sun…the younger brother of the drug dealer who got Essie’s brother hooked. Is he the perfect rebound—or the worst decision Essie could make?

Review

Essie’s life seems to be falling apart in the worst possible ways. Her long-term boyfriend, Bruno, suddenly breaks up with her. Her older brother, Gabe, is in rehab, and her mom’s controlling nature only adds to the pressure. With dreams of studying acting at NYU, Essie hopes to escape the turmoil of Long Island and reinvent herself. However, when her life takes a series of unexpected turns (in the form of an unlikely connection with Christopher Sun, the younger brother of her brother’s former drug dealer), Essie is forced to confront a new set of emotional challenges.

The storytelling is raw and relatable, with an honest portrayal of the internal struggles that come with growing up and discovering who you really are. Essie’s journey is not one of clear answers, and that’s what makes this story so captivating. As Essie navigates relationships, familial expectations, and her own evolving desires, readers will see themselves in her struggle to balance her dreams with the complexities of her world. The writing comes off authentic, capturing the essence of adolescence and the challenge of figuring out your place in the world, even when everything feels uncertain.

The visuals of You Belong Here adds a layer of emotional depth to the story that truly elevates the narrative. I adored the watercolor illustrations, predominantly in moody shades of blue, which perfectly mirror the emotional landscape of the characters. The monochromatic color scheme gives the book a cinematic feel, beautifully highlighting Essie’s shifting emotional states, from her moments of isolation to her gradual realization that the future she’s planned may not be the one that truly suits her. The illustrations are a vital part of the storytelling, expressing what words alone cannot.

You Belong Here stands out in its relatability. For any young reader struggling with the weight of expectations, whether from family, school, or society, Essie’s story will resonate deeply. Her journey isn’t about finding a simple resolution but about learning to navigate life’s uncertainties with resilience and grace. The relationships she forms, especially her complex connections with Bruno and Christopher, illustrate the importance of self-discovery and the courage it takes to break free from what others expect of you. One of the most compelling aspects of this graphic novel is its open-ended conclusion. It doesn’t wrap everything up neatly, leaving room for readers to imagine what’s next for Essie. This ending speaks to the reality of life after high school, full of possibilities, unknowns, and the freedom to forge your own path.

You Belong Here is a powerful, thought-provoking read that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a teenager at the crossroads of growing up and finding yourself. With its engaging art, compelling characters, and insightful storytelling, this graphic novel is perfect for readers who are navigating their own uncertain futures, offering them both comfort and courage to embrace the unknown.