DEBUT Caught in the traction of a permissive heterosexual upbringing, Crewes enjoyed being different for her love of goth, horror, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and she found compatible friends. All along, she assumed she would segue into a future with boys and men in her heart. But her attraction to guys never took root emotionally or physically, even as she became more aware of the queer culture all around at her British art school. Unsure of her own orientation, her coming out as lesbian proceeded in start-stop stages over several years. She did not have to fight her way through family and societal pushback, but rather through her own ideas and expectations. Crewes draws with a graphite pencil in evocative, smooth sweeps, giving the feel of an on-the-scene sketchbook. Originally released as a hand-stitched zine, the memoir was expanded and reworked into this charming, relatable account. VERDICT As Western culture becomes increasingly gay-friendly, Crewes's experience will—fortunately—become more and more typical. The story of her journey will be much appreciated by young people who are curious about themselves and their friends.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia

Identity isn't defined by a single moment, as British cartoonist Crewes finds in her chummy comics memoir. As a kid, she loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer—especially the redheaded witch, Willow, who comes out as gay in the fourth season. Yet it took Crewes until late in her university years to connect her childhood fascination and her lukewarm feelings for boys to her own sexuality. ("It was as though someone had handed me a letter that I had to keep very safe, but wasn't allowed to open until the time was right.") Crewes's zine-style narration covers her failed attempts at hetero crushes and Tinder, and when she finally admits the truth of her same-sex attractions to herself, it's like she has to completely restart the dating game. Crewes draws in graphite pencils, lending her story a charming sketchbook quality. Human figures are soft and noodle-armed, recalling both Noelle Stevenson's Nimona and Tumblr diary comics. Crewes's gentle identity reveal is met with support and love from family members and friends; if the narrative lacks drama, it evokes the wish that every queer young person could find such ready acceptance. This sweet coming-out tale could help any reader unsure of how to read their own buried clues. (Oct.) Agent: Anna Power, Johnson & Alcock.