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Table of Contents
About The Book
After a hate crime occurs in his small Texas town, Adrian Piper must discover his own power, decide how to use it, and know where to draw the line in this “powerful debut” novel (Publishers Weekly, starred review) exquisitely illustrated by the author.
Adrian Piper is used to blending into the background. He may be a talented artist, a sci-fi geek, and gay, but at his Texas high school those traits would only bring him the worst kind of attention. In fact, the only place he feels free to express himself is at his drawing table, crafting a secret world through his own Renaissance-art-inspired superhero, Graphite. But in real life, when a shocking hate crime flips his world upside down, Adrian must decide what kind of person he wants to be. Maybe it’s time to not be so invisible after all—no matter how dangerous the risk.
Adrian Piper is used to blending into the background. He may be a talented artist, a sci-fi geek, and gay, but at his Texas high school those traits would only bring him the worst kind of attention. In fact, the only place he feels free to express himself is at his drawing table, crafting a secret world through his own Renaissance-art-inspired superhero, Graphite. But in real life, when a shocking hate crime flips his world upside down, Adrian must decide what kind of person he wants to be. Maybe it’s time to not be so invisible after all—no matter how dangerous the risk.
About The Author
Photograph (c) Christopher Spinelli
Laurent Linn’s love for puppets led him to become an Emmy Award–winning puppet designer and builder in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop, creating characters for various productions, including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films, eventually becoming creative director for the Sesame Street Muppets. Originally from Dallas, Texas, his love for art led him to New York City where he is currently an art director/designer for children’s and teen books. And his love for transformative stories (and superheroes) led him to write and illustrate Draw the Line, his first novel. Visit him at LaurentLinn.com and on Twitter/Instagram at @LaurentLinn.
About The Illustrator
Photograph (c) Christopher Spinelli
Laurent Linn’s love for puppets led him to become an Emmy Award–winning puppet designer and builder in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop, creating characters for various productions, including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films, eventually becoming creative director for the Sesame Street Muppets. Originally from Dallas, Texas, his love for art led him to New York City where he is currently an art director/designer for children’s and teen books. And his love for transformative stories (and superheroes) led him to write and illustrate Draw the Line, his first novel. Visit him at LaurentLinn.com and on Twitter/Instagram at @LaurentLinn.
Product Details
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (May 17, 2016)
- Length: 528 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481452823
- Grades: 7 and up
- Ages: 12 - 99
- Lexile ® HL590L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
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Raves and Reviews
“Draw the Line is a mind-blowing riot of a good time. A perfect book for fans of 21st century sci-fi and superheroes that needs to be a movie right now!”
– Jonathan Maberry, Multiple Bram Stoker Award Winner and New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin
* “A powerful debut . . . A diverse cast and an emotionally rich plot make this a gripping journey of self-discovery, romance, art making, and justice.”
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
* “A diverse landscape . . . is robust rather than a flat reaction to pleads for diversity. A definite draw for comic-book fans, it will resonate with anyone struggling with a concealed or revealed identity. . . . Bravo.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Enlivened with expressive art, this debut novel beautifully captures the voice of a teen.”
– School Library Journal
“Laurent Linn had me at ‘gay superhero’—and kept me glued to the page with his thoughtful storytelling and genre-defying art. It’s not a graphic novel. It’s not a novel-novel. It’s Draw the Line, and it’s unmissable.”
– Tim Federle, author of The Great American Whatever
“This groundbreaking book will make the world a better place for all readers. It is a magnificent work of art!”
– Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Chains, Speak, and Wintergirls
“A story of love triumphing over hate and art defeating bigotry. Like Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Tim Federle’s The Great American Whatever, this book compellingly explores the thrills of first relationships and the complexities of life as a not-quite-out gay teen.”
– Horn Book Magazine
* “Laurent Linn's debut YA novel combines graphic novel and prose formats for a funny, sexy and moving experience.”
– Shelf Awareness, starred review
"This novel is at times both laugh-out-loud funny and very touching. LGBT readers will find affirmation and support here. Other readers will find a good story, relatable characters, and insight into the trials and tribulations of LGBT students."
– School Library Connection
Awards and Honors
- Spirit of Texas Reading Program
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Draw the Line eBook 9781481452823
- Author Photo (jpg): Laurent Linn Photograph (c) Christopher Spinelli(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
