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Table of Contents
About The Book
Sixteen-year-old Erica Walker is a webcomic artist who wants to fit in at her affluent new high school. Seventeen-year-old Thomas VanBrackel is an aspiring songwriter and reluctant lacrosse goalie who wants out from under his father’s thumb. After their electric first kiss at Saturday’s lacrosse match, Erica and Thomas both want to see where their new relationship could take them.
The next morning, however, following a drunken house party, Erica wakes up half-clothed, and discovers words and names drawn in Sharpie in intimate places on her body—names belonging to Thomas’s lacrosse friends, including the boyfriend of Erica’s best friend. Devastated, Erica convinces herself Thomas wasn’t involved in this horrific so-called prank…until she discovers Thomas’s name on her skin, too.
Told in alternating viewpoints, Erica seeks to uncover what happened while battling to keep evidence of her humiliation from leaking out, as Thomas grapples with his actions and who he thought he was. Woven throughout, illustrated graphic novel interstitials depict Erica’s alter ego superhero, Erica Strange, whose courage just might help Erica come through to the other side.
About The Illustrator
From self-publishing to some of the biggest book publishers in the world, Emma Vieceli loves telling stories with pictures and believes that comics should be by anyone, about anything, for everyone. Currently the writer for comic book Life Is Strange, she is perhaps better known as an artist, and her recent work includes Olivia Twist, Alex Rider, The Adventures of Supergirl, Doctor Who, Jem & the Holograms, the New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy graphic novel series, Back to the Future, and Avalon Chronicles. She cocreates the critically acclaimed independent web series, BREAKS with Malin Ryden, cowriting and “comicking” (art/tone/letters). Alongside comics, she worked on the A&E television series, Bates Motel, providing the sketchbook found by Norman Bates, and as an artist with tinyrebel on their Doctor Who Infinity games.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (July 20, 2021)
- Length: 416 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534473713
- Grades: 9 and up
- Ages: 14 - 99
- Lexile ® HL760L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
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Raves and Reviews
"This all-too-believable book will open eyes and start conversations about sexual assault, toxic masculinity, and victim shaming."
– Publishers Weekly
With heart, art, and a whole lot of emotion, Cassie Gustafson crafts a searing debut, taking place in the aftermath of an event that changes the lives of both main characters forever.
– Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Public Library District
The beautiful graphics and the way this novel tackles assault head-on make it a good addition to a library shelf.
– School Library Journal
Awards and Honors
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
- TAYSHAS Reading List (TX)
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): After the Ink Dries eBook 9781534473713
- Author Photo (jpg): Cassie Gustafson No credit line needed(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit