Belle of the Ball

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the pressure of high school hierarchies, the vulnerability of first crushes, or the feeling that they must fit into a specific box to be successful. It is an ideal choice for parents of teens who feel like outsiders or those navigating the complex emotions of jealousy and self-discovery within their social circles. The story follows Belle, an overachiever who finds herself in a messy love triangle that challenges her perceptions of popularity and worth. This graphic novel handles the emotional turbulence of adolescence with grace and humor, making it a supportive tool for normalizing the confusion of queer identity and the strain of academic expectations. Parents will appreciate how it fosters conversations about authenticity and the importance of looking past social labels to find genuine connection. It is most appropriate for high schoolers who are ready for realistic depictions of teenage relationships and the growth that comes from making mistakes.