Book excerpt: A nerdy gay teenager jumps headfirst into the bro-y world of high school baseball in this semi-autobiographical LGBTQ+ graphic novel. Ninth-grader Jonah is not a jock. On the contrary, he loves history class and nerdy movies, and his athletic ineptitude verges on tragic. So, what’s he doing signing up for the baseball team? Could it have something to do with the cute shortstop, Elliot? For the rest of high school, Jonah faces challenges on and off the baseball field, from heteronormative social pressure to thrilling romance. Realizing who his real friends are, he figures out what really matters and finally recognizes and embraces his gay identity. Based on debut author-illustrator Jonah Newman’s coming-of-age experiences, Out of Left Field is a big-hearted and funny YA graphic novel about learning to be yourself. “Brilliantly written and illustrated high school story that deftly showcases the triumphs and regrets of friendship and finding oneself. A remarkable debut!” —Dav Pilkey, #1 bestselling graphic novelist “First base, first boyfriends, and believing in yourself—Out of Left Field is a charming tour of the mistakes and triumphs of coming out in high school.” —Ngozi Ukazu, award-winning creator of Check, Please!