A swoonworthy queer romance set against a riveting story of social change in the 1880s, this historical graphic novel reimagines the life of America's first stunt girl--a young undercover reporter--and her whirlwind summer of romance and fighting injustice.
Renegade Girls
Seventeen-year-old Helena “Nell” Cusack came to New York this summer looking for a story—a real story. She dreams of one day writing hard-hitting articles for the New York Chronicle, but so far she's only managed to land a job as a lowly society reporter. That is, until Alice Austen strolls into her life, an audacious street photographer who encourages Nell to shake up polite society…and maybe also take a chance on love.
When her best friend, Lucia, is injured while working in a garment factory, Nell is determined to crack the story wide open. Posing as a seamstress, she reports on the conditions from the inside, making a name for herself as the Chronicle’s first ever stunt girl. But as Nell’s reporting gains momentum, so do the objections of those who oppose her. Will Nell continue to seek justice—even if it hurts her in the end?
Based on real-life stunt girl Nell Nelson and photographer Alice Austen, this tenderly drawn narrative is about bringing buried stories to light and the bravery of first love.
Out April 1, 2025!
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"Nell and Alice’s tender, nuanced relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a rigidly conservative society, offering a heartfelt exploration of labor rights, agency, and queer identity in an engrossing, socially conscious tale that resonates with contemporary discussions of systemic injustice and personal resilience."
"Renegade Girls takes the reader on a whirlwind ride through 1880s high society and undercover reporting. Helena Cusack is desperate to become a stunt girl reporter, one who exposes the exploitative underbelly of the Gilded Age. She’s encouraged by new friend Alice Austen, who's based on a real photographer, and household maid Lucia. After learning of Lucia’s dangerous factory work, Helena becomes Nell Nelson, writing a series of articles to spur change in child labor and worker safety. Alice’s photos prove necessary evidence, and the pair become romantic and professional partners. But powerful people oppose Nell’s work; soon readers are left wondering if the intrepid team will be silenced for good. The art vividly captures the diverse population of New York among the bucolic parks, busy streets, and grimy industrial workshops characteristic of the period. This will be of great interest to kids who have just outgrown books in the American Girl series and will appreciate the mix of historical fact and entertaining fiction found here. A dashing tale of justice, bravery, and love."
REVIEWS
--Publisher's Weekly (full review here)
Publisher's Weekly *STARRED* Review!
--Booklist