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The Friendship Paradox

Aśka

$22.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English
A&U Children
31 March 2026
Note to self: no matter how messy or confusing, the universe is an orderly place with physics to guide you.

High school is over. Dash is excited to spend their gap year working for the local science museum, travelling and teaching kids about physics. Maybe they'll even make a friend. People are part of the universe, so the laws of physics should also apply to them, right?

Except Dash discovers the workplace is just as challenging as school - relationships are confusing, students don't follow the rules and co-workers aren't what they expect. Then Dash meets Kay. Can opposites really attract? Or will Dash's attempts to use physics to understand their world repel a potential friend?

A heartfelt YA graphic novel about friendship and finding your place in a puzzling world by the highly acclaimed comic artist of the CBCA Notable graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes.

The Friendship Paradox is perfect for:

- Readers aged 13 and up who love funny and uplifting stories about friendship

- Fans of graphic novels like The Greatest Thing, Stars in Their Eyes and Heartstopper

- Readers who love comics and visual storytelling

Praise for The Friendship Paradox: - 'Dynamic, nuanced, fun - a road trip and friendship story like no other!' Sarah Winifred Searle, multi-award-winning creator of The Greatest Thing - 'There are three laws of the universe: 1) Aśka is a great storyteller. 2) This book is good. 3) You need to get this.' Reimena Yee, Eisner-nominated creator of Séance Tea Party
By:  
Imprint:   A&U Children
Country of Publication:   Australia
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 152mm, 
Weight:   568g
ISBN:   9781761181689
ISBN 10:   1761181688
Pages:   256
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 13 to 18 years
Audience:   Young adult ,  Preschool (0-5)
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

Aśka (she/they) is an award-winning graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist and a big fan of the little doovalacky above the 's' in her name (which you pronounce 'Ash-ka'). A hugely engaging and popular presenter, Aśka is passionate about visual literacy education. In addition to a catalogue of self-published comics, they have traditionally published more than a dozen books and graphic novels. Their recent titles include the YA graphic novel Stars In Their Eyes, which was a CBCA Notable Book, Stonewall Honor Book and nominated for the Comic Arts Awards of Australia. She is also a recipient of several government Arts grants, prizes and fellowships. Aśka is an organising committee member for the Perth Comic Arts Festival, contributes regularly to The School Magazine, volunteered as Illustrator Co-ordinator in the WA branch of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for four years, has single-handedly run an animation festival, held a solo art exhibition about numbers in nature, and has been featured in an ABC TV documentary. When they're not creating children's books, Aśka is travelling across Australia teaching eager students of all ages how to write with pictures. www.askastorytelling.com

Reviews for The Friendship Paradox

'Aśka's dynamic style shines with nuanced characters and rich sense of place as Dash navigates the complexities of science and friendship while on a road trip like no other.' Sarah Winifred Searle, multi-award-winning creator of The Greatest Thing 'There are three laws of the universe: 1) Aśka is a great storyteller. 2) This book is good. 3) You need to get this.' Reimena Yee, Eisner-nominated creator of Séance Tea Party 'A rollicking adventure through science, relationships and the mess of life that offers a whole new way of understanding the world around and inside us.' Campbell Whyte, award-winning creator of Home Time 'A book that reminds us of our place in the vastness of the universe and the rarity of finding a true friend amongst it all. I feel truly grateful for how this book made me feel and think.' Mandy Ord, illustrator of the CBCA-shortlisted Chalk Boy 'Filled with vibrant colours and expressive characters, The Friendship Paradox is a colourful journey of self-discovery and friendship.' Books+Publishing


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