Really the only part of Punk Like Me by JD Glass and illustrations by Kris Dresen is that the end happened a little too quickly, and (SPOILER) it was a little too neatly wrapped up. But that is really the only issue I have with the “overallness” of things.
We follow Nina, a girl who will have many labels put on her (sister, daughter, friend, girlfriend, dyke, lesbian, swimmer, student, trouble maker, possible Annapolis bound) as she grows, but which is really her? What is “The Her” that was even before her parents gave her a name? During the several months of Nina’s coming out and growing up journey, we see everything from first love to bad love to parents who should love unconditionally but not doing so, siblings and friendships that support or tear you down. There is music, swimming, and contemplation. Set in the 1980s, with punk as the soundtrack of Nina’s life, this is a relatable story for all times.
The illustrations in this edition (there might be older ones with or without color, I am not sure) are in a bluish gray tone. There are hints of shadows and some color when needed to highlight the situation, but mostly it is not really colorful. I don’t think that a lot of color would actually have helped due to the nostalgic look this format gives off. It makes things feel 1980s and punk. There are minimal details and sometimes more could have helped flesh a few things out, but overall it works to keep things fast paced, or at least steady.
There are a few triggers such as language, Nina’s parents assault her, talk of sex, and even the death of a friend’s parent. However, most of it is done tastefully and not over the top, yet the scene with Nina and her parents during the assault was a bit intense, but I felt it was handled well considering the situation. The story itself (coming out as queer) is not new, but the way Glass presents it is fresh. I have read this story before, but never this exact one. It is similar to The History of Everything by Victoria Evans and Heartbreak Hotel by Micol Beltramini.
Due March 2026, read via an online reader copy.