Sarah Mai is an illustrator and writer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where she developed a passion for graphic novels, and is the illustrator of The Cool Code and The Cool Code 2.0: The Switch Glitch written by Deirdre Langeland. Freshman Year marks her author-illustrator debut.
"""This engaging story about adjusting to the upheaval of college fits nicely alongside other coming-of-age comics...Sarah's difficulty finding herself is well communicated through the expressive art style.""--Booklist ""Freshman Year perfectly captures the surreal nature and bewildering independence that comes with the first year of college--a time so unique unto itself. Brought back many forgotten sense memories I know I'll never experience in quite the same way again, but I have always wanted to remember. Thank you, Sarah!"" --Heather Albinson, Wild Rumpus Books ""This detailed, meditative tale is insightful, honest, and darkly funny, and it includes threads that are (realistically) not tidily resolved. An engaging and relatable slice-of-life story.""--Kirkus Reviews ""Freshman Year brilliantly captures the hardships and messy journey of self-discovery in college. Accompanied by a charming art style, it's a heartfelt and relatable story that will resonate with anyone who's trying to find their own path. Sarah Mai delivers an honest and essential YA debut.""--Kat Fajardo, creator of MISS QUINCES ""A really lovely slice-of-life look at a tender time in life: The first year of college. This is a story chock full of heart, sadness, and wit.""--Tillie Walden, creator of ON A SUNBEAM and SPINNING ""FRESHMAN YEAR is both a relatable recounting of the ups and downs of the first year of college, and an excellent exploration of navigating the challenges and responsibilities of emerging adulthood. A thoughtful, fun, and refreshing read--and the perfect gift for every high schooler contemplating college.""--Megan Wagner Lloyd, bestselling author of ALLERGIC and SQUISHED"