Word Up welcomes Kiara Valdez on her forthcoming graphic novel, STEPPING UP (on sale 8/4/26), a timely and vibrant teen graphic memoir about community, friendship, and self-discovery told through the eyes of a high school freshman Kiara, one of the few Black students at her predominantly white boarding school—perfect for fans of Almost American Girl and Brownstone!

In conversation with Kiara Valdez will be Lethy Liriano, executive director of the Bride’s March.

This event is in collaboration with Dominican Writers Association.

“Valdez’s graphic novel debut provides thoughtful glimpses into her attempts to settle into a new environment that wasn’t designed with her in mind. Readers will identify with the outsider perspective explored throughout the narrative.” – Kirkus Reviews

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with a maximum of 100 attendees. Please register in advance. 

In compliance with Word Up Community Safety guidelines, all attendees are encouraged to stay masked at all time.

Word Up Community Bookshop/Libreria Communitaria is located at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 165th Street) in Manhattan. Subways: A, C or #1 train to 168th Street (walk south to 165th St, turn left, then walk east to Amsterdam Avenue).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. She’s at Phillips Academy Andover—the prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates’ endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyone’s pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like she’ll never fit in.

Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.

Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step up—for herself and her friends?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kiara Valdez is an Afro-Dominican writer and graphic novel editor from New York City (shout out to Washington Heights). She graduated from Williams College with a double major in English Literature and Japanese, and spends her free time reading, writing, and enjoying a long list of other hobbies she can’t keep up with. She writes graphic novels, pictures books, and story books that include titles such as Dear Dad (with Jay Jay Patton and Markia Jenai), Marvel’s Little Groot, Big Feelings and We Are Groot (both with Wendy Tan), and Mami’s Magic Words (Richy Sánchez Ayala). Stepping Up is her debut original graphic novel.