Float | Review

Float
by Kate Marchant and CJ Joaquin
Scholastic Graphix, $24.99, July 2025
Grades 7 and up

The Graphix imprint typically targets middle school readers and younger audiences, but with Float, they’ve definitely edged into young YA territory. Originally posted on Webtoon, Float tells the story of Alaskan teenager Waverly, who goes to stay with her never-married aunt in Florida. Her aunt is an artist—the exact opposite of Waverly’s parents, both scientists who expect her to follow in their footsteps. Waverly, meanwhile, feels like she isn’t good at anything.

Waverly quickly gets swept into the local teen scene, especially with her prickly next-door neighbor, Blake. Determined to show a new side of herself in Florida—fun, cool, and friendly—she hides a big secret: she can’t swim. When she wades into the ocean to retrieve a ball, rather than admit her fear, she nearly drowns. Blake, a lifeguard, rescues her. When he offers to teach Waverly to swim, she accepts and soon begins to develop a crush on him. The problem is, Blake has his own girlfriend drama and isn’t exactly available.

The soapy plot moves quickly, and the story ends just as it starts to get interesting, leaving readers hanging. The pacing doesn’t allow for deeply nuanced characterization, but both Waverly and Blake have a prickly edge and emotional baggage. Waverly’s inner struggles are clearer since she narrates, but readers are left curious about Blake’s.

The colorful artwork is bright and vibrant. The colorization highlights Florida’s summer atmosphere and shifts with the scenes to evoke a fun, soapy tone. The panels are large and airy, making the book visually appealing. While the artist employs hyper-feminized imagery characteristic of certain anime subgenres, the style meshes well with the story’s romantic and dramatic tone.

Float will appeal to young female readers who love a good soap opera or romance. I immediately found a reader for it in my library—this title will have no problem finding its way off the shelf.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews, Young Adult