Renegade Girls (A Graphic Novel)

A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-Rousing

By: Nora Neus, Julie Robine

Narrated by: Mia Hutchinson Shaw, Gail Shalan, Jess Nahikian, VyVy Nguyen, Jordan Cobb, Carol Monda, Robert Fass, Greg D. Barnett

A swoonworthy queer romance set against a riveting story of social change in the 1880s, this historical novel reimagines the life of America’s first stunt girl—a young undercover reporter—and her whirlwind summer of romance and fighting injustice.

Seventeen-year-old Helena “Nell” Cusack came to New York this summer looking for a story—a real story. She dreams of one day writing hard-hitting articles for the New York Chronicle, but so far she's only managed to land a job as a lowly society reporter. That is, until Alice Austen strolls into her life, an audacious street photographer who encourages Nell to shake up polite society…and maybe also take a chance on love.

When her best friend, Lucia, is injured while working in a garment factory, Nell is determined to crack the story wide open. Posing as a seamstress, she reports on the conditions from the inside, making a name for herself as the Chronicle’s first ever stunt girl. But as Nell’s reporting gains momentum, so do the objections of those who oppose her. Will Nell continue to seek justice—even if it hurts her in the end?

Based on real-life stunt girl Nell Nelson and photographer Alice Austen, this tenderly drawn narrative is about bringing buried stories to light and the bravery of first love.

Critic reviews

"This fast-paced, tightly ­woven graphic novel may lack historically accurate details, but proves a rewarding light read that may awaken questions of ­social justice."—School Library Journal

"Informative historical fiction about important trailblazers featuring a charming queer romance."—Kirkus Reviews