1991—Val, a teenager from a conservative family,
has grown up dreaming of becoming a ballerina, but recently something has
changed. She’s begun feeling pressure to conform to a specific idea of
beauty, body type, and a personality that just doesn’t
fit.

Val meets Kat, a smart, witty girl that
doesn’t take any crap off anyone. Kat introduces Val to punk rock. Along
with Rudie, another new friend, the three form an all-girl punk band they
ironically name The Proper Ladies.

Soon Val
and her friends find themselves caught up in a movement with other girls also
starting bands—also finding their voice. Collectively, these “riot
grrrls” discover that their songs ring out loud and powerful, and for Val,
there’s no going back.

Illustrated by: Emmett Hobbes