Outside the Lines

First love is hard enough when it's not with two boys at once. This gorgeously written, gripping love-triangle novel is also an insightful exploration of identity. It's an exciting young adult debut by the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Night Diary.

Are all stories created by the few seconds when things crash into each other, lip to lip, or plane to ground?

Leela has a story to tell—the story of her intense junior year, dominated by an unexpected love triangle with two boys from her art class, and made even more complicated by her grief over her father’s tragic death and the separateness she feels as a girl with both Indian and Jewish backgrounds in a school where white Christian students are the majority. She keeps her relationship with Andre and Noah a secret from her mother, losing herself in the art and connection they create together, puzzling over her feelings for each boy, and pushing away her worries . . . until it's impossible to continue doing so.

Written as a free-verse letter to her favorite musician, who Leela feels might actually understand, this gorgeous and empowering novel is about discovering one’s place in the world and forgiving ourselves for the mess we often make in the name of love, art, and being human.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs