Format: Graphic novel

Raise the Bar is a graphic novel by Chilean animation director and comic artist Fernanda Frick H. This full-colour graphic novel is suited to readers aged 10-14, and will be especially enjoyed by fans of Raina Telgemeier.

The story follows Sam, a (literally) strong female lead who enters the unfamiliar, high-stakes world of competitive weightlifting as she sets her sights on going for Olympic gold. It is a fantastic, fast-paced summer read that offers a really interesting glimpse into an elite sporting arena that most readers won’t know much about. The story highlights what it takes for girls to overcome stereotypes and participation barriers in competitive sport.

While ambition and following dreams is the theme that drives the story, success isn’t built on serendipity in Raise the Bar; instead, the narrative focuses on the determination, personal sacrifices and real grit required for Sam to succeed. The story doesn’t shy away from the realities of intense training, parental opposition, prejudice, self-doubt and burnout, but it remains a thoroughly empowering and immersive page-turner. At its heart, the story is about determination and ambition as we follow Sam’s journey in navigating every hurdle to achieve her goals in the sport she loves.

This inclusive book is a great choice for its readability and the portrayal of a diverse cast of characters forming deep friendships despite being contenders on the platform. The backstory is just as inspiring: dropped by Netflix after two years of development as a sports anime, Frick channelled Sam’s grit to turn it into a young teen graphic novel, complete with bonus content.

Raise the Bar is a highly recommended page-turner about perseverance and the perfect graphic novel to offer something new and interesting to a summer of sport.