Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

This award-winning graphic novel follows 17-year-old Freddy Riley, a mixed East Asian and white lesbian, as she grapples with a tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship with the charismatic but emotionally manipulative Laura Dean. The story delves into the complexities of first love, the pain of toxic dynamics, and the importance of healthy friendships. As Freddy becomes increasingly isolated, she seeks advice from various sources, ultimately finding the courage to prioritize her own well-being and rebuild her social circle. A significant subplot involves Freddy supporting her best friend, Doodle, through an unplanned pregnancy and abortion. The book is praised for its authentic dialogue, diverse characters, and expressive black-and-white art with splashes of pink, offering a realistic and empowering look at teenage identity and relationships.

One of FORBES Best Graphic Novels of 2019 On BCCB 2019 Blue Ribbons List One of NPR's Best Books of 2019 Booklist 2019 Editors' Choice One of Bitch Media’s Best Queer YA Novels of 2019 Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-O’Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need. Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend. Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.