The Breakaways

In 2019, First Second launched The Breakaways, a graphic novel series by writer and artist Cathy G. Johnson. The story follows a middle school girls' soccer team navigating the pressures of friendship, identity, and the sport they love, told with a warm, slice-of-life sensibility. Johnson’s expressive art and nuanced character work give the series a quiet, authentic resonance, making it a standout for readers seeking thoughtful, contemporary comics about growing up.