Check Please!

(Goodreads, 2018)

Title: Check Please!

Author: Ngozi Ukazu

ISBN: 250177960, 978-1250177964

Publisher: First Second; Illustrated edition

Copyright Date: September 18, 2018

Genre: LGBTQ, Romantic Comedy

Format: Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Grades 10-12

(Goodreads, 2018)

Awards and Honors

2021 Eisner Awards - Nominee | Best Publication for Teens

2019 Ignatz Awards - Winner | Outstanding Comic

2019 Harvey Awards - Winner | Digital Book of the Year

2019 YALSA Morris Award | Finalist

2018 New York Public Library’s Best Books | Top Ten Books For Teens

2018 Best of Austin | Arts & Entertainment Critics Pick

2018 Harvey Awards - Nominee | Digital Book of the Year

2017 National Cartoonist Society Winner | Best Online Comic: Long Form

2017 NPR | 100 Favorite Comics And Graphic Novels

(Ngozi Ukazu, n.d.)

Plot Summary

Check Please! follows main character, Bitty, and his life going from a figure skater to playing on a university hockey team. The team captain is a real tough guy, who is very attractive. Learning the to be accepted by the team, as well as not feel nervous around Jack (the team captain) is the storyline you will follow Bitty through. The characters in this novel will have you heart as you read, laugh, and fall in love. This book is beautifully written and tares down toxic masculinity within the realm of sports. (Goodreads, 2018)

About Ngozi Ukazu

Ngozi Ukazu is a graduate of Yale University. She also received her masters in Sequential Arts. Through her work on Check Please! she has made it on the New York Times bestselling author lists. (Ngozi Ukazu, n.d.)

(Ngozi Ukazu, n.d.)

Critical Evaluation

This graphic novel touches on a coming-of-age story, a romantic comedy, and creating friendships. These are all themes that teens can relate to as well as enjoy reading. The illustrations combined with the story make this a recommended read for teens. This book is not only award winning, but also has a lot of internet popularity which combines create the best of the of both worlds for merit and popularity.

(Check, please!, n.d.)

Creative Use for Libraries

A fun activity that libraries could pair with Check Please! by Ngozi Ukazu is to have teens create their own sporting teams. Teens would be able to choose what sport they would like to create a team for. Then they could choose a mascot, a place they would represent, and even design the logos/jerseys. Sports can sometimes feel like a topic that not everyone belongs, but this type of activity would help create discussion amongst teens who are sport enthusiast as well as novices because there are no wrong answers.

(Check, please!, n.d.)

Speed-Round Book Talk

Figure skating, hockey, baking, and love.... need I say more? This book create complex characters that you will fall in love with as you follow along their journey of sports, self discovery, and love. This book will have you laughing as you learn the life lesson of self acceptance and team comradery.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

This book does include adult language around adult topics. There are certain sexual references that may not be suitable for younger children and that may cause some parents to be upset if recommended to their child.

(Check, please!, n.d.)

Reason for Inclusion

This book is fun for all ages. It includes representation within the field of sports. This book is popular amongst teens and also award winning, which is a fabulous combination. Topics and themes in the book could lead to great discussion amongst young adults.

References

Goodreads. (2018, September 18). Check, please! book 1: #hockey by Ngozi Ukazu. Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37534577-check-please-book-1

Ngozi Ukazu. (n.d.). https://www.ngoziu.com/

Check, please! Check, Please! (n.d.). https://www.checkpleasecomic.com/

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