Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
"This beautifully illustrated slice-of-life tale that shows two young women of color getting to know each other and creating a relationship is so warm and charming that readers will hardly notice how much they are learning about how to better interact with folx who are different from themselves and the importance of not making assumptions." -- Kirkus Reviews
"...soft, expressive art adds a visceral charge to the couple's very human experiences, which range from excitement and affection to pain and doubt." -- Publisher's Weekly
"This wholesome plot focuses on building understanding, offering mutual support, and budding self-acceptance, as well as the importance of asking rather than making assumptions; avoiding othering; and regarding all those in one's orbit with compassion...A charming, sensitive story of love and acceptance." --School Library Journal
" In a technologically advanced near future, two young women bumble through their first dates and fights together as they enjoy the exhilaration of new love....Always Human by Ari North is an endearingly feel-good sapphic romance set against a diverting futuristic backdrop." --Samantha Zaboski, Shelf Awareness
In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications-but some people have "Egan's Syndrome," a highly sensitive immune system that rejects these "mods" and are unable to use them. Those who are affected maintain a "natural" appearance, reliant on cosmetics and hair dye at most to help them play with their looks.
Sunati is attracted to Austen the first time she sees her and is drawn to what she assumes is Austen's bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she's still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they deal with friends, family, and the emotional conflicts that come with every romance. Together, they will learn and grow in a story that reminds us no matter how technology evolves, we will remain . . . always human.
Rendered in beautiful detail and an extraordinary color palette, Always Human is a sweet love story told in a gentle sci-fi setting by a queer woman cartoonist, Ari North.
Published in partnership with media advocacy organization GLAAD, this empowering book positively represents LGBTQ families.
Frequently asked questions
Is Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No violence is mentioned in the context of the book's narrative. The focus is on a gentle love story rather than violent themes. No scary content is indicated in the search results. The narrative is described as sweet and gentle.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have violence?
No violence is mentioned in the context of the book's narrative. The focus is on a gentle love story rather than violent themes.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have scary content?
No scary content is indicated in the search results. The narrative is described as sweet and gentle.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the book's narrative based on the search results.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have racial/cultural content?
The graphic novel features a racially diverse cast, including characters of color. The narrative includes themes of identity and representation, highlighting the experiences of diverse characters in a futuristic setting.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have profanity?
No profanity is reported in the search results related to the book's content.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have climate change?
No climate themes are mentioned in the context of the book's narrative. The story primarily revolves around personal relationships and identity in a sci-fi setting.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have sexual identity?
No explicit sexual content is mentioned in the search results. The focus is on the romantic relationship between the characters.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have gender roles?
No specific gender role themes are highlighted in the search results. The focus is on LGBTQ+ representation and relationships rather than traditional or modern gender roles.
Does Always Human A Graphic Novel (Always Human, #1) have lgbtq+ themes?
The graphic novel features a queer love story between two young women, Sunati and Austen, set in a futuristic world where nanobot technology allows individuals to change their appearances. The author, Ari North, is identified as a queer woman, and the narrative explores themes of identity and attraction within the LGBTQ+ community.
