Luck of the Draw (A Graphic Novel)

From the creator of ¡Ay, Mija!, a budding cartoonist attends an elite pre-college art program, where the only limit to their potential is … their budget. Luck of the Draw raises the question: how do you paint your future with bargain store brushes?

It’s the summer before senior year, and Mar Ortega is holding a ticket out of town: an acceptance letter to a prestigious pre-college program at an elite art school in Baltimore. Suddenly, Mar’s deepest desires are within reach: studying illustration, making a real friend group … and maybe even using new pronouns?

At the Baltimore Institute of Art, everything feels perfect. Mar is thrilled by the artsy community and incredible, engaging instructors, but when the time comes to buy painting supplies, the hefty price tags feel like a slap in the face. In fact, everything about this college is expensive, and there aren’t many students that look like Mar. As the days go by, Mar begins to wonder if they truly belong at art school … but it’s also the only place they’ve ever felt truly at home. ?

Inspired by creator Christine Suggs’s own experience attending a pre-college art program, Luck of the Draw illustrates what can happen when reality becomes part of your dream.

• Praise for ¡Ay, Mija!:
  A YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
• *“Chrístine’s navigation of their identity will resonate with teens who feel insecure and find belonging difficult. An accessible graphic novel for high schoolers seeking a character they can relate to and a safe space to read about mixed heritage and identity.”
  SLJ, starred review
• "The full-color illustrations make Mar’s world feel real and accessible...Characters, even minor ones, are drawn with flair and individuality, befitting the book’s themes of embracing one’s true self and finding one’s place in the world."
  Kirkus
• "An absolutely heartwarming and vibrant story of belonging, family, and the meaning of home. This book is a treasure."
  Julie Murphy, New York Times Bestselling author of Dumplin
• "¡Ay, Mija! is full of everything I love about a Christine Suggs comic. Their work magically exudes a sense of warmth and calm, even when exploring difficult or complicated topics. Snippets of introspection about cultural identity and family trauma are interspersed with vivid, effective world-building, and the love Suggs has for their family and heritage is palpable. I’ve only been to Mexico once, but ¡Ay, Mija! made me want to return as soon as possible."
  Tyler Feder, creator of Dancing at the Pity Party
• "A charming tale of belonging and familial connection beyond language barriers. Beautifully drawn and relatable depictions of bilingual struggles, I wish I read this as a kid. A must-read story!"
  Kat Fajardo, creator of Miss Quinces
• "A great exploration of what it's like to narrow the gap when being part of a diaspora group and what it means to belong somewhere and love every part of it, the good and the complicated."
  Barbara Perez Marquez, co-author of The Cardboard Kingdom
• "Suggs' debut soars as a tender, honest, comfortingly queer coming of age tale wrapped in a love letter to their Mexican heritage. To read it feels like a warm hug."
  Rose Bousamra, illustrator of the forthcoming Frizzy, by Claribel A. Ortega
• "It's magical to see a book I had nothing to do with capture my life as a Mexican-Texan so perfectly. Everything Christine Suggs felt I have felt, too. From the food to sight seeing, this book is a lovely slice of life on vacation."
  Yehudi Mercado, creator of Chunky and Sci-Fu
• “Suggs delves into a topic that many teens in multicultural families go through. . . . A warm and honest coming-of-age story about self-love and self-discovery.”
  Booklist
• "A sweet and memorable story of growth and self-discovery.”
  Kirkus Reviews
• “A deep reflection on family and the difficulties of growing up, making art, fearing their own sexuality, and judging their body…pair with Liz Montague’s Maybe An Artist.”
  BCCB
• “Via a limited blue and orange color palette that mimics Mexican Talavera pottery traditions, Suggs tackles themes of sexuality, cultural identity, and body image with understanding and heart.”
  Publishers Weekly
• “This engaging graphic memoir...poignantly highlights the journey of self-discovery that so many young people experience—often in silence—growing up in the U.S. as the children of mixed families.”
  The Horn Book
• "A lovable main character and a supportive cast of characters lend their charm to this extremely applicable story of post-graduation anxiety. This graphic novel offers readers a lot to relate to, and it will resonate with many high school juniors and seniors."
  SLJ