A Song for You and I: (A Graphic Novel)

by K. O'Neill

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

From the brilliant mind who brought us Tea Dragon Society, this heartfelt and tender tale of friendship, identity and perseverance feels so alive it's practically breathing.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Being a ranger means adventure, action, and protecting the weak. But who protects the ranger when they lose their way? From the bestselling author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society comes a must read MG graphic novel for fans of soft sweeping fantasy romances.

Rowan knows exactly what they want: to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan's eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they're capable of being the protector they've always dreamed of becoming.

With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is assigned a slow and winding expedition across the outlying lands. Paired with a lackadasical sheep hearder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone's own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593182307
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	03/04/2025
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

About the Author

K. O’Neill is an author and illustrator based in Aotearoa New Zealand, and a lover of nature, tea, and growing things. They strive to make books with themes of kindness, inclusiveness, and well-being, with worlds that children can play in and characters they can explore these ideas alongside. Past acknowledgments of their work include: 2019 Eisner nominee for Best Children’s Comic (Aquicorn Cove), 2018 Eisner winner for Best Children’s Comic, 2018 Eisner winner for Best Webcomic, 2018 Harvey co-winner for Best Children’s Comic, 2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award winner for Kids’ Comics (The Tea Dragon Society), 2017 ALA Amelia Bloomer List, 2017 Dwayne McDuffie Kids’ Comics Award nominee (Princess Princess Ever After).

Editorial Reviews

★ 12/16/2024

O’Neill (The Moth Keeper) crafts a pastoral fantasy exploring gender identity and what it means to be one’s true self in this tender graphic novel. Young Rowan, who has dark hair and brown skin, is a ranger-in-training, dedicated to helping humans maintain a harmonious balance with nature with their pegasus partner Kestral. Ahead of the Name Carving ceremony that will mark the apprentices as full-fledged rangers, Rowan is given an “easy” posting assisting quiet violinist shepherd Leone, portrayed with red hair and pale skin. Rowan’s desperation to prove themself above their assignment results in a devastating injury for Kes that threatens their bond and Rowan’s future as a ranger. But as Rowan and Leone spend more time together, Leone’s gentle presence allows Rowan to explore their gender identity and passion for their profession in new ways. Rowan’s frustrations and fear following Kes’s injury are visually and emotionally palpable, as is their shy relief in Leone’s easy acceptance of Rowan’s identity. Simple paneling allows the fluid line art and soft, earth-toned coloring to shine, making for a viscerally powerful romantasy epic. Ages 10–up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

★ "O’Neill crafts a pastoral fantasy exploring gender identity and what it means to be one’s true self in this tender graphic novel....a viscerally powerful romantasy epic." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "O’Neill presents a masterly tale in which readers can see themselves, even in the fantastical setting.... A stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "K. O’Neill always delivers tender, introspective narratives accompanied by breathtaking illustrations, and A Song for You and I is no exception." —BookPage, starred review

"Rowan and Leone’s slow-burn romance is both sweet and insightful, conveying well the nonbinary and trans coming-of-age experience of learning to distinguish between wanting-to-be-with-someone and wanting-to-be-someone." —The Bulletin

"A sweet and thoughtful rumination on the joy of being one’s true self." —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers who love emotionally grounded comics will be enchanted by this contemplative, gorgeously rendered story of the slow but steady path to self acceptance." —Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 03/01/2025

Gr 5–7—Rose is a novice archer trying to prove that they are ready to follow tradition, carve their name in the wooden door, and become a fully-fledged ranger. Frustrated with the final assignment given to them and Kestrel, their bonded flying horse and loyal companion, Rose becomes desperate for the chance to do something impressive or important. Through a series of unfortunate decisions, Kestrel is injured and cannot fly, and Rose is reassigned to groundwork with Leone, the local shepherd and musician, though they only play for sheep. But Rose's frustration only grows after meeting Leone, who doesn't seem to have a care in the world. The budding friendship with the shepherd is the key to answers for both of their life questions. For Rose, it leads them to the realization that their name never truly suited them and changing it to Rowan. O'Neill presents a masterly tale in which readers can see themselves, even in the fantastical setting. Those familiar with the author's previous works will recognize the beautiful art style, which provides a youthful atmosphere while allowing the emotional story beats to shine. One can't help but be pulled in. VERDICT A stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth, and an excellent addition to any graphic novel collection.—Lauren Sullivan

School Library Journal

2024-11-23
Two young people travel their own paths to personal authenticity.

In O’Neill’s latest graphic charmer, readers meet Rose, a young ranger preparing for the Name Carving ceremony. Rangers are in touch with “the ways of the land” and swear “equally to serve its wildness and its humanity.” But Rose, along with their winged horse, Kestrel, is assigned to a post in the decidedly dull Lamb’s Ear Meadow, where they meet Leone, a laid-back violinist who only performs in front of his sheep. As the Name Carving looms nearer, Rose grapples with their identity, yearning to carveRowan, the name that truly fits them, into the wooden door but fearing the consequences. Unbeknownst to Rowan, Leone faces similar struggles. Ever since his family laughed at his music, he’s feared playing for others. When Rowan makes a dangerous and impulsive decision, the pair are propelled on a journey that will change them both forever. This touching stand-alone work is lushly rendered and adorably whimsical in its wholly accessible worldbuilding. Thoughtful pacing moves the action gently forward, with many wordless sequences spotlighting the natural world’s wonders. In addition to the visual beauty, readers will find a heartwarming tale that’s certain to buoy both heart and spirit in its explorations of gender identity expression and defying expectations. Rowan has warm, dark, copper-toned skin and wavy black hair, and pale, freckled Leone is a redhead.

A sweet and thoughtful rumination on the joy of being one’s true self. (author’s note, sketchbook)(Graphic fantasy. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews