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Jukebox, a month later

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It’s been over a month since Jukebox released and my third pandemic book release. It’s not easy. I miss being on the road and meeting educators, librarians and of course, readers. I appreciate the emails and messages from folks who have read and enjoyed it – it keeps me going in this seemingly never ending pandemic. I’ve been on some amazing panels discussing comics, from the American Library Association panel with Jerry Craft, Varian Johnson and Nadia Shammas, to a Comicon panel with Judd Winick, Dana Simpson, B.C. Peterschmidt, and Jerry Craft. It’s always a joy to share the love of comics.

And on the one month release, I wanted to share some of my favorite interiors from Jukebox. I challenged myself with the research, story, design and of course the colors (aided by my co-colorist Elizabeth Kramer).

The first time Shahi and Naz turn on the Jukebox.

Harlem in the 30s.

Women’s march for Equality in Washington DC in the 70s.

Bud Billiken parade in Chicago in the 60s.

Break dancing in Venice Beach in the 80s.

I have many other favorites but I don’t want to give away any of the ending. You can still find signed copies here.

Now, I’m working on more books – picture books, early readers and another middle grade graphic novel. I am grateful, regularly, that I am able to do this work. And, also it’s hard to keep momentum up without the in person interaction. I long for it to return and will be overjoyed to see folks when it’s safe.

I hope you and yours are finding ways to keep your spirits up.

Thank you, always, for the support.

 

Jukebox is here!

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Jukebox

Today is JUKEBOX‘s book birthday!

Please join me to celebrate the virtual launch tonight at 7pm PST with Hicklebees bookstore. I will read from the book, share a drawing demo and answer questions!

I’ve waited years for today. I pitched the story in 2016, signed the contract in 2017 and submitted final art in 2020. I set out to create a story featuring two desi girls who go on a time traveling adventure. Years ago, I promised to my very good friend and artist, Faheema Chaudhury, that I would make a book with a Bangladeshi Muslim main character because it’s so underrepresented. That promise helped me find Shaheen (Shahi) and Tannaz (Naz). I spent years living with the characters in my head and then drawing them on the page. There were countless hours spent researching albums, history, watching documentaries and historical footage. I made a conscious decision to feature Black musicians because they’re the foundation of American music. My hands hurt as I inked the pages and I learned to ice them at the end of the day. JUKEBOX brought me to new places in panelling, pacing and color. I loved the process. As I finished the book, I thought about this lyric from the song What Light by Wilco “Just remember what was yours, is everyone’s from now on.”

As JUKEBOX enters the world, I know it’s no longer mine. It belongs to everyone.

Thank you for reading, sharing and supporting, always.