What do you think?
Rate this book
Girl on Fire
From New York Times bestselling author and 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys comes a new authentic, honest, coming-of-age young adult graphic novel, illustrated by Brittney Williams, about finding the strength within when your whole world changes in an instant.
Lolo Wright always thought she was just a regular fourteen-year-old dealing with regular family drama: her brother, James, is struggling with his studies; her dad's business constantly teeters on the edge of trouble; and her mother… she left long ago. But then Lolo's world explodes when a cop pulls a gun on James in a dangerous case of mistaken identities. Staring down the barrel, with no one else to help, Lolo discovers powers she never knew she had. Using only her mind, she literally throws the cop out of the way.
Problem is that secrets like Lolo's don't stay a secret for long. Skin, a dangerous dealer with designs on taking over the neighborhood, hears of Lolo's telekinetic abilities and decides that he needs her in his crew. Skin might not have Lolo's powers, but he's got nothing to lose and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And what he wants is Lolo.
Lolo's not willing to let Skin use her to hurt the people—and neighborhood—that she loves. But it's going to take a whole different kind of bravery to stand-up for what's right, especially after Lolo's mom returns suddenly and turns Lolo's whole world upside-down. For too long, it's true, Lolo's had her head in the clouds, but this time, it's on her … and she's not backing down.
Girl on Fire is a young adult graphic novel about a girl who's a flame. It's the first-ever graphic novel from beloved GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, and illustrated by Brittney Williams.
Lolo Wright always thought she was just a regular fourteen-year-old dealing with regular family drama: her brother, James, is struggling with his studies; her dad's business constantly teeters on the edge of trouble; and her mother… she left long ago. But then Lolo's world explodes when a cop pulls a gun on James in a dangerous case of mistaken identities. Staring down the barrel, with no one else to help, Lolo discovers powers she never knew she had. Using only her mind, she literally throws the cop out of the way.
Problem is that secrets like Lolo's don't stay a secret for long. Skin, a dangerous dealer with designs on taking over the neighborhood, hears of Lolo's telekinetic abilities and decides that he needs her in his crew. Skin might not have Lolo's powers, but he's got nothing to lose and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And what he wants is Lolo.
Lolo's not willing to let Skin use her to hurt the people—and neighborhood—that she loves. But it's going to take a whole different kind of bravery to stand-up for what's right, especially after Lolo's mom returns suddenly and turns Lolo's whole world upside-down. For too long, it's true, Lolo's had her head in the clouds, but this time, it's on her … and she's not backing down.
Girl on Fire is a young adult graphic novel about a girl who's a flame. It's the first-ever graphic novel from beloved GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, and illustrated by Brittney Williams.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2022
About the author
Alicia Keys
58 books1,615 followersPassionate about my work, in love with my family and dedicated to spreading light. It's contagious! ;-)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
April 7, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours.
Girl on Fire is an absolutely brilliant graphic novel about a fabulous female superhero called Lolo. This is such a great read for children and I as an adult really enjoyed it too. Lolo not only discovers and masters her powers in this book but also balances this with her schooling, family, friendships and even dangers in her neighbourhood! The story is fast paced and action packed but suitable in content for the audience it is aimed at. This is a great allrounder of a graphic novel with amazing artwork and is sure to be a hit with girls and boys and will encourage them to discover their own unique talents and abilities, be strong as an individual and stand up for what they believe in!
I'm really hoping for a book 2 and a series from this incredible female heroine!
Girl on Fire is an absolutely brilliant graphic novel about a fabulous female superhero called Lolo. This is such a great read for children and I as an adult really enjoyed it too. Lolo not only discovers and masters her powers in this book but also balances this with her schooling, family, friendships and even dangers in her neighbourhood! The story is fast paced and action packed but suitable in content for the audience it is aimed at. This is a great allrounder of a graphic novel with amazing artwork and is sure to be a hit with girls and boys and will encourage them to discover their own unique talents and abilities, be strong as an individual and stand up for what they believe in!
I'm really hoping for a book 2 and a series from this incredible female heroine!
March 15, 2022
This was given to my daughter. I decided to give it a parental proof-read first and I couldn’t put it down. I even teared up at one point. I’ve read very few graphic novels, but this is the best of those I have read so far. I thought the story was very engaging and certainly not one I mind my daughter engaging with. (She got through it pretty quickly too).
April 6, 2022
the powers of scarlet witch meets the youth and guys of miles morales in this powerful and fast paced graphic novel. with a strain message, loveable characters and captivating art work, this was a moving and action packed read from start to finish and a great one for younger readers wanting to test the waters with graphic novels.
TW: police brutality and racial profiling
TW: police brutality and racial profiling
July 7, 2023
A celebrity-driven graphic novel that's not bad but lacks real spark.
Loretta "Lolo" Wright undergoes a fairly standard "teen discovers they have super powers" origin: sharing her powers with some friends and family, hiding them from other friends and family, dealing with random bullies and a neighborhood-level bad guy with a simple profit motive, finding out a member of her family has been hiding a secret. Kids who haven't seen these beats too many times already and fans of Alicia Keys trying graphic novels for the first time will probably enjoy it, but it's all too familiar to me. The characters are likable though, and I would be interested in seeing a sequel that truly allows Lolo to show her inner fire instead of just reacting to everything.
I wonder if there was a whole creative/editorial discussion wherein it was decided Lolo having pyrokinetic powers would be too on the nose? They have settled on telekinetic and telepathic powers instead, which seems sort of safe and ordinary as far as super powers go.
Loretta "Lolo" Wright undergoes a fairly standard "teen discovers they have super powers" origin: sharing her powers with some friends and family, hiding them from other friends and family, dealing with random bullies and a neighborhood-level bad guy with a simple profit motive, finding out a member of her family has been hiding a secret. Kids who haven't seen these beats too many times already and fans of Alicia Keys trying graphic novels for the first time will probably enjoy it, but it's all too familiar to me. The characters are likable though, and I would be interested in seeing a sequel that truly allows Lolo to show her inner fire instead of just reacting to everything.
I wonder if there was a whole creative/editorial discussion wherein it was decided Lolo having pyrokinetic powers would be too on the nose? They have settled on telekinetic and telepathic powers instead, which seems sort of safe and ordinary as far as super powers go.
February 10, 2022
Edelweiss+ provided me a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a huge fan of superhero comics, and this one is really an expanded version. Our heroine discovers, practices, and uses her powers for good while trying to balance school, family, and neighborhood dangers.
The characters here are the best part, but they all needed more development. I could have used about 100 more pages to get to know Lolo's family, best friend, and frenemies. Plot-wise everything happens a little too fast which made it hard to really invest in any of the conflicts. Even the penultimate fight at the end seemed a little lackluster.
I think my students are going to enjoy this one, but I needed a bit more oomph.
I'm not a huge fan of superhero comics, and this one is really an expanded version. Our heroine discovers, practices, and uses her powers for good while trying to balance school, family, and neighborhood dangers.
The characters here are the best part, but they all needed more development. I could have used about 100 more pages to get to know Lolo's family, best friend, and frenemies. Plot-wise everything happens a little too fast which made it hard to really invest in any of the conflicts. Even the penultimate fight at the end seemed a little lackluster.
I think my students are going to enjoy this one, but I needed a bit more oomph.
March 31, 2022
Thank you Epic Reads for my review copy.
Lolo is just your ordinary teenage girl until an interaction between her older brother and cops trigger her superpowers. Lolo is trying to come to grips with her new found powers along with high school bullies and causal racism.
⠀
This was a wonderful coming of age graphic novel about making the right decisions, how your actions have consequences, finding your power, standing up for yourself and using your voice the right way. The story also dealt with parental abandonment and how it can impact us and I like the way it was handle in a realistic manner. I had no idea this graphic novel would have me all over the place and I mean that in a good way.
⠀
Lolo is just your ordinary teenage girl until an interaction between her older brother and cops trigger her superpowers. Lolo is trying to come to grips with her new found powers along with high school bullies and causal racism.
⠀
This was a wonderful coming of age graphic novel about making the right decisions, how your actions have consequences, finding your power, standing up for yourself and using your voice the right way. The story also dealt with parental abandonment and how it can impact us and I like the way it was handle in a realistic manner. I had no idea this graphic novel would have me all over the place and I mean that in a good way.
⠀
January 25, 2022
I’d like to thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the storyline and the art that went with it. It was interesting to see Lolo’s powers progress as the story did and to see her navigate friends, school, and bullies at the same time.
March 28, 2022
2.5 stars 🌟 for the story.. cool concept but not fleshed out enough in this volume.
4 stars for the artwork.
4 stars for the artwork.
May 4, 2024
Black girl meets Superpowers, my favourite combo. Loved this wish there was a second one, the graphics were great also. If you liked the show Black Lightening this one’s for you.
Read
September 14, 2024I enjoyed Girl on Fire - an interesting story about girl with superpowers, fighting against bullies and a broken system. Full review to come.
One note - Huge props to Alicia Keys for using her popularity to make this book widely known, but please let's not forget that she co-wrote the graphic novel with Andrew Weiner, and illustrated by Brittney Williams - who are equally "to blame" for this book's story and visuals.
One note - Huge props to Alicia Keys for using her popularity to make this book widely known, but please let's not forget that she co-wrote the graphic novel with Andrew Weiner, and illustrated by Brittney Williams - who are equally "to blame" for this book's story and visuals.
August 14, 2022
This book gave ✨girl power✨.
March 10, 2023
GIRL ON FIRE by Alicia Keys, and co-written by Andrew Weiner, is a gripping coming-of-age young adult graphic novel that tells the story of Lolo, a teenager who discovers she has supernatural abilities. As Lolo tries to navigate her new powers and her connection to Michael, a fellow teen with ties to the drug world, she finds herself having to fight a drug dealer with powers of his own who has taken her brother James and is threatening her father’s business. The illustrations by Brittney Williams are stunning and enhance the action-packed storyline. GIRL ON FIRE is a thrilling and empowering read that will leave readers rooting for Lolo and her fiery spirit.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #girlonfire #aliciakeys #andrewweiner #brittneywilliams #harperalley #graphicnovel #bookreview
April 14, 2022
It was really good loved it hands down one of my favorite of this year
September 27, 2022
I loved girl on fire by Alicia keys I like that she has actually written a book about a girl with superpowers. I enjoyed reading this book it was very excellent and intriguing wanted to know what happened next so I kept reading and in the end it was phenomenal. My favourite bit was when lolo Wright who is a regular fourteen year old girl found out she had superpowers and she had to keep it a secret from her father but her grandma and brother already knew about it.Also this book is for younger adults.this book reminds me of a series by Alisha Dixon which is called lighting girl it is a pretty similar story but with different characters and different scenes as well. I would recommend this book for other young adults like age fourteen or fifteen. My second favourite bit was when lolo was in the school bathroom and these girls came in and they said nasty things about her. So lolo used her powers to scare them away and it worked.
November 30, 2022
yooooo i love this sm 🥹 idk why but it felt like reading a graphic novel out of a 30mins animated short film??? like i can totally picture this as an animation series......
anyways!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. its about lolo discovering her powers she never knew she had, being brave and standing for what is right. 🌟 its quite a typical superhero story but what i really like about it is that its so engaging to read despite being predictable. found myself reading this in one sitting & tHE 👏 ILLUSTRATIONS 👏 truly one of the best i have seen - it really captures the different emotions well. 😍
however, the ending was quite abrupt and there are certain parts which i felt that its quite disjointed like the origins of the power...i wanted to know more about where did it came from ((maybe an idea for next sequel? 🤪))
i guess it would be best to read this knowing that the targeted audience is also for younger readers + some of the themes explored: prejudice, class, race and the importance of family. overall its such a decent read featuring a strong female superhero.
i love alicia keys and im glad she decided to come up with this. :') ALSO!!!!! if yall are wondering - isnt girl on fire the title of her song too???? YES!! IT IS!! and i actually would recommend listening to it before/after reading to elevate the reading experience 🎶🎼🎵
anyways!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. its about lolo discovering her powers she never knew she had, being brave and standing for what is right. 🌟 its quite a typical superhero story but what i really like about it is that its so engaging to read despite being predictable. found myself reading this in one sitting & tHE 👏 ILLUSTRATIONS 👏 truly one of the best i have seen - it really captures the different emotions well. 😍
however, the ending was quite abrupt and there are certain parts which i felt that its quite disjointed like the origins of the power...i wanted to know more about where did it came from ((maybe an idea for next sequel? 🤪))
i guess it would be best to read this knowing that the targeted audience is also for younger readers + some of the themes explored: prejudice, class, race and the importance of family. overall its such a decent read featuring a strong female superhero.
i love alicia keys and im glad she decided to come up with this. :') ALSO!!!!! if yall are wondering - isnt girl on fire the title of her song too???? YES!! IT IS!! and i actually would recommend listening to it before/after reading to elevate the reading experience 🎶🎼🎵
July 4, 2022
"Work with me. I'll make you somebody."
"I already am somebody!"
4.5⭐
Alicia Keys co-write a graphic novel, and it's a terrific one. Not only does this book tackles heavy issues such as racism, police brutality, gang violence and bullying, it's also a beautiful story about family, strength, standing firm in your beliefs and finding your voice. The found family aspect was so heartwarming. There's slight romance and fantasy too! What more can you ask for?
Wonderfully written and illustrated, Girl on Fire is everything Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story tried and failed to be. I enjoyed every moment of this brilliant book and have no doubt that it will appeal to many despite being classified as young adult.
May 18, 2022
This is related to the Alicia Keys song in name only - lowkey it's disappointing that Lolo's powers don't even involve fire. I like that this does tackle police brutality, but everything else was way too under-developed for the story. Between family issues and magical powers, there was a lot that was just dropped and expected to work.
June 21, 2022
I thought this was such a great young adult graphic novel. I have always loved the Alicia Key's song Girl on Fire and thought it was a great concept for a graphic novel. I think that Lolo was a great main character and a has a very unique kind of power. I hope that there might be more books in the future.
November 5, 2023
I was so happy to have found this when I was going through Libby’s books 🥺 This graphic novel is absolutely beautiful and empowering and shows us how powerful we can be if we just stay true to who we are and help others see the same thing along the way 🥰
April 3, 2022
Artwork is awesome and the story concept is promising but the delivery is lacking.
Felt disjointed and rushed, definitely needed to be fleshed out.
It's pretty heavy and intense content...
Felt disjointed and rushed, definitely needed to be fleshed out.
It's pretty heavy and intense content...
June 24, 2022
I hope it becomes a sequel, great female hero!!
August 11, 2022
I wonder if they'll have a second book??
September 26, 2022
Left me wishing there was more!
July 1, 2024
Fun read about the girl who has a superpower.
Can’t believe that Alicia Keys could be this talented to make a story
Can’t believe that Alicia Keys could be this talented to make a story
March 8, 2024
TBR Cards #37: The sky on the cover
I loved the representation but there were so many things left unanswered in this, most importantly, where did the superpowers come from and how were her and Michael connected?
I loved the representation but there were so many things left unanswered in this, most importantly, where did the superpowers come from and how were her and Michael connected?
April 27, 2022
A fabulous graphic novel. Love the art, the characters. I would love to read a sequel one day, but works great as a stand alone.
July 19, 2022
I don't usually read graphic novels, and honestly, I don't know what made me pick this up from the library.
The main character, Lolo Wright has never thought of the fact she has superpowers, until one night when a police officer accosts her brother, James. Knowing what will happen when he is innocent, she defends him, unlocking her powers.
Throughout the novel, Lolo grows as a character, even making peace with someone at school who for so long antaganised her.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and it's very fast paced, almost too fast I'd say as I felt some parts could have been a little bit slower and not so rushed.
The main character, Lolo Wright has never thought of the fact she has superpowers, until one night when a police officer accosts her brother, James. Knowing what will happen when he is innocent, she defends him, unlocking her powers.
Throughout the novel, Lolo grows as a character, even making peace with someone at school who for so long antaganised her.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and it's very fast paced, almost too fast I'd say as I felt some parts could have been a little bit slower and not so rushed.
March 13, 2022
A new YA graphic novel by Grammy award-winning artist Alicia Keys for this generation!
🔥
Lolo Wright is juggling a lot as a high schooler: she’s super smart so of course she’s bullied for being a know-it-all at Harriet Tubman HS. Her brother, on the other hand, can’t keep up with his grades while their father struggles with his business after their mom split long ago. When Lolo and her brother are mistaken for convenience store robbers by the police, Lolo realizes she has hidden telekinetic powers. When the local drug dealer recruits Lolo for his gang, she must decide how to protect her community and find the hero inside her.
🔥
Once I started reading this book I couldn’t stop. So many students are going to connect with the story and the artwork is gorgeous! Girl On Fire is what the world needs right now: female empowerment, empathy and a character with a strong moral compass.
CW: drugs, violence, bullying, police brutality, racism
🔥
Lolo Wright is juggling a lot as a high schooler: she’s super smart so of course she’s bullied for being a know-it-all at Harriet Tubman HS. Her brother, on the other hand, can’t keep up with his grades while their father struggles with his business after their mom split long ago. When Lolo and her brother are mistaken for convenience store robbers by the police, Lolo realizes she has hidden telekinetic powers. When the local drug dealer recruits Lolo for his gang, she must decide how to protect her community and find the hero inside her.
🔥
Once I started reading this book I couldn’t stop. So many students are going to connect with the story and the artwork is gorgeous! Girl On Fire is what the world needs right now: female empowerment, empathy and a character with a strong moral compass.
CW: drugs, violence, bullying, police brutality, racism
March 13, 2022
*I received a copy from the publisher via Edelweiss in return for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book.*
When a police officer aims a gun at her brother, Lolo Wright discovers powers she never knew she had. And alongside tackling family drama and school life, she juggles the telekinetic abilities that she can’t seem to hide. When a neighbourhood dealer catches wind of her skill, it’s not long before he starts calling for her to join his gang. With her brother’s safety and father’s business on the line, Lolo learns that she must learn how to fight back before it’s too late.
This was a surprisingly fun read! Key and Weiner do an excellent job setting the story up swiftly. The Wright dynamic is relatable and heart-warming. Despite all odds, they stuck together and became very relatable characters. Lolo is a great protagonist. She’s sweet, hardworking, and definitely a great fictional role model for younger kids.
The story dynamic is natural and feels like a breeze to read. Secondary characters such as her brother, Michael, her father, James, while powerless, grow with their own strengths. Keys and Weiner brings together a colourful cast of characters that matter. In such a short time, young readers can be quickly immersed in this dynamic world.
In all, Girl on Fire is bursting with energy. Keys and Weiner tackle teenagehood and heroic beginnings in this fantasy debut which is further elevated with art created by Brittney Williams. It is an empowering start for any younger reader looking to get their hands on a newer hero.
When a police officer aims a gun at her brother, Lolo Wright discovers powers she never knew she had. And alongside tackling family drama and school life, she juggles the telekinetic abilities that she can’t seem to hide. When a neighbourhood dealer catches wind of her skill, it’s not long before he starts calling for her to join his gang. With her brother’s safety and father’s business on the line, Lolo learns that she must learn how to fight back before it’s too late.
This was a surprisingly fun read! Key and Weiner do an excellent job setting the story up swiftly. The Wright dynamic is relatable and heart-warming. Despite all odds, they stuck together and became very relatable characters. Lolo is a great protagonist. She’s sweet, hardworking, and definitely a great fictional role model for younger kids.
The story dynamic is natural and feels like a breeze to read. Secondary characters such as her brother, Michael, her father, James, while powerless, grow with their own strengths. Keys and Weiner brings together a colourful cast of characters that matter. In such a short time, young readers can be quickly immersed in this dynamic world.
In all, Girl on Fire is bursting with energy. Keys and Weiner tackle teenagehood and heroic beginnings in this fantasy debut which is further elevated with art created by Brittney Williams. It is an empowering start for any younger reader looking to get their hands on a newer hero.
Read
August 30, 2023This was more along the plot and art style of a traditional comic book, as opposed to a graphic novel. Yes, I know people will say they’re the same thing, but it’s very typical of an old, say, Spiderman comic with a pretty cut and dried plot. Poor black girl from a bad neighbourhood that’s working hard in school to escape the ghetto, then develops superpowers. Meanwhile, a childhood friend gets pulled into a violent gang and starts dealing drugs and becomes part of a protection racket. People get beat up and kidnapped, superpowers girl comes to the rescue. Quite formulaic, and beyond the best friend all the characters were bland cookie cutters and it just made the rest of it feel flat.
Plus, there’s no brevity or fun in it. I am all for putting out your message, but you need to make it enjoyable to read. This was more like ticking themes off on a list and it just lacked that spark to pull my interest.
Plus, there’s no brevity or fun in it. I am all for putting out your message, but you need to make it enjoyable to read. This was more like ticking themes off on a list and it just lacked that spark to pull my interest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews