The Fire Never Goes Out

By Noelle Stevenson. Published by Harper Collins. 

Softcover, 208 pages, B&W and 2-Color, 2020.

From Noelle Stevenson, the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Nimona, comes a captivating, honest illustrated memoir that finds her turning an important corner in her creative journey—and inviting readers along for the ride.

In a collection of essays and personal mini-comics that span eight years of her young adult life, author-illustrator Noelle Stevenson charts the highs and lows of being a creative human in the world.

Whether it’s hearing the wrong name called at her art school graduation ceremony or becoming a National Book Award finalist for her debut graphic novel, Nimona, Noelle captures the little and big moments that make up a real life, with a wit, wisdom, and vulnerability that are all her own.

“[The book] is a coming-out story, a love story, a tale of disorientingly rapid professional triumph, and a story about mental health and illness.”

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The New Yorker

“Stevenson makes herself vulnerable, and readers will appreciate her honesty, compassion, and hard-won wisdom.”

-Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Deeply affecting, heart-wrenchingly honest. This work of pure vulnerability and ultimately hope may serve as a vital lifeline for young fans in need of having their own inner struggles reflected in their heroes. An incredibly brave offering from one of comics’ most precious creators.”

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Booklist (starred review)

“This is a highly personal tale of an emotional journey that somehow also manages to feel universal. A snapshot of success and struggles that adds to the conversation about mental health.”

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Kirkus Reviews

“The imagery Stevenson builds around mental health and burnout is so well-crafted and sincere that it should be added into the mental vocabulary of every creative human.”

-Buzzfeed

“Stevenson’s illustrations are sweet, simple, and confident. If the memoir feels a bit scattered at times, so does the experience of youth itself; Stevenson brings unique and endearing insight to the messy process of growing up.”

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Publishers Weekly