Pasadena Illustrator Co-Authors Newest Graphic Novel

Nilah Magruder is the author of “M.F.K.,” “How to Find a Fox” and “Wutaryoo.”

“Creaky Acres,” a new middle-grade graphic novel co-authored by Pasadena illustrator Nilah Magruder, is an adventure about the pains of being a new kid, making new friends, and the power of sports - and horse fashion shows - to bring a gang of misfits together. Published by Kokila, “Creaky Acres” is set for release on May 6.

First Second Editorial Director Calista Brill co-authored the story. “Creaky Acres” follows rich, competitive, prize-winning rider Nora as her mom’s job takes her and her beloved horse, Hay Fever, to a new barn in the countryside. There, she must adjust to a lot of change. Creaky Acres doesn’t seem to enter any competitions, the kids there don’t have proper gear, and they even let a cow join their lessons. And as the only Black kid at her new school, Nora is faced with near-constant microaggressions.

Eventually, with the help of a ragtag team of would-be equestrians, Nora learns to step into her power, confront both her own privilege and the racism that surrounds her, and define success in a new way. She realizes it’s OK to stand out and that being a rider isn’t just about winning; it’s about taking life by the reins.

The story appealed to Magruder, the author of “M.F.K.,” “How to Find a Fox” and “Wutaryoo.” She has written comics, illustrated children's books, and worked as a writer and storyboard artist for animation.

“Growing up, animals were my first friends,” Magruder said. “I grew up in the country surrounded by farms and wilderness, and my sketchbooks were a bestiary of four-legged, winged, and scaled creatures great and small.

“When I first read the pitch for ‘Creaky Acres,’ I thought, ‘I know Nora.’ I love horses, though I was not nearly as serious about riding as Nora. I was a Black girl living in a predominantly white community, constantly struggling with anti-Black microaggressions and feeling different. And like Nora, I was pretty ambivalent about possums (I’ve since warmed up to them). Bringing (the) ‘Creaky Acres’ characters, human and otherwise, to life has been a seven-year labor of love, and I can’t wait for readers to fall in love with this colorful cast the same way I have.”

Perfect for young readers passionate about animals and sports, as well as anyone adjusting to a big change in their life, “Creaky Acres” is a charming and timely update to horse girl classics perfect for fans of “Swim Team” by Johnnie Christmas, “Awkward” by Svetlana Chmakova and “New Kid” by Jerry Craft.