Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Freddy Riley keeps returning to Laura Dean, even though their relationship repeatedly leaves her hurt. Laura’s confidence and popularity make her attention difficult to resist; being chosen again can feel like proof that the next attempt will be different. Freddy’s best friend Doodle tries to help, but the cycle begins to damage the friendships that have sustained her. Advice from outside the relationship pushes Freddy to ask questions she has avoided about what she needs and what she is willing to accept. Written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, this graphic novel follows a queer teenager learning to distinguish attraction from care. Its focus extends beyond first love to the boundaries that make friendship and self-respect possible.