1991—Val, a teenager from a conservative family,has grown up dreaming of becoming a ballerina, but recently something haschanged. She’s begun feeling pressure to conform to a specific idea ofbeauty, body type, and a personality that just doesn’tfit.

Val meets Kat, a smart, witty girl thatdoesn’t take any crap off anyone. Kat introduces Val to punk rock. Alongwith Rudie, another new friend, the three form an all-girl punk band theyironically name The Proper Ladies.

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

Illustrated by: Emmett Hobbes