Freestyle roundup!

This year has been such a journey!! Freestyle came out in October, and I am just so over the moon that it is a real book that exists and that there are kids who enjoy it. I cannot ask for anything more.

Now that the year is drawing to a close, I wanted to make a tangible list of cool things the book has been mentioned in (and remind you that it is available for purchase this holiday season as well as year-round, thank you for supporting your local bookstores and comic shops, you angels). Here we go…!

Starred review,
Publishers Weekly

“Galligan’s timing — both comedic and emotional — is impeccable, and dynamic paneling paired with vibrant technicolor hues artfully complement the flow and energy of the Eight Bitz’s routines and Sunna’s yo-yo prowess…A thoughtfully rendered portrayal of friendship, growth, and joyful self-expression.”

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Starred review,
The Horn Book

“Galligan’s crisp, bouncy, cartoonlike style captures the story’s constant motion, making for a fast-paced visual experience with yo-yo strings or b-boying limbs constantly busting out of panels.”

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A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick Nov/Dec 2022

“Cory is not thrilled to be tutored by Sunna. After he sees her sweet yo-yo skills, they strike a deal: if he makes it through studying, she’ll teach him another trick. Galligan’s new original book is full of style, humor, and friendship!” — Andrew King, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA

2023 Little Maverick Graphic Reading List

The Comics Journal

"It's A Miracle That This Book Even Exists":
An Interview With Gale Galligan

"[S]ometimes adults don’t give kids enough credit. They assume kids won’t pick up on nuance or appreciate more complex stories...My personal recommendation would be to put a copy of Animorphs into the hands of every child and see what happens from there."

Starred review,
Kirkus Reviews

“This inviting, heartfelt story will get readers into the groove of self-expression and lasting friendships.”

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A Kirkus Best Graphic Middle Grade Book of 2022

Time For Kids Good Reads

Publishers Weekly

Q&A With Gale Galligan

"I know that sometimes it can be hard to put yourself out there, it can be hard to feel like something is worth doing or like you’re good or worth it. But I think that there’s something so wonderful about just taking joy in anything...It really is amazing that there are so many things that people can get into and share with each other, and the sharing is always going to be so worth it in the end."

Kinokuniya Books

In Conversation with Aatmaja Pandya

Starred review,
School Library Journal

“A visually kinetic, emotionally complex story of finding a sense of self while navigating relationships and expectations. Fun and full of heart.”

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A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Book of 2022

"What’s cooler than yo-yo-ing? Not much, but an eighth grader who is a secret yo-yo master just might be. This fun graphic novel from Gale Galligan about friendship and self-discovery is perfect for fans of New Kid and The Baby-Sitter’s Club."

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book 2022

"In their energetically illustrated graphic novel “Freestyle,” Galligan reveals how Cory’s discovery of Sunna’s unexpected yo-yo talent helps him see her in a new light, inspiring him to repair strained friendships among his dance crew and to bring up his grades."

Off Panel

#372: Freestylin’ with Gale Galligan

Galligan discusses the intersection of drawing and comics as a youth, the impact of comic strips and manga, what they learned from working with Raina Telgemeier, The Baby-Sitters Club club, the appeal of shorter comics, blending emotions, how Freestyle evolved at Scholastic, its main cast, telling stories about young people, establishing shots, their process, photo reference, the honesty of kids, secret teammates, and more.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support and kindness this year – it means the world!! Stay cozy, friends. ♥

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