Don't Be Scared: A Graphic Novel

Saadia Faruqi's breakout graphic novel Saving Sunshine got tons of love including an Eisner nomination, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan award, and it appeared on multiple best books lists. Now she's back with another story that does what she does best—mixes family dynamics, culture, and friendship with compelling and accessible storytelling for a middle-grade audience!

Riz Choudhry lives for two things: movies and anything spooky. His dad? Not so much. While Riz dreams of filmmaking and jump scares, his father dreams of Riz going to med school and law school—and neither one includes ghosts.

But the film club is Riz’s safe haven, a place where other supernatural-obsessed first-gen kids swap scary stories from their cultures. So, when the group decides to film a documentary about the creepy old mansion in town, Riz is all in. But there’s a problem. His dad wants Riz to quit the club. AND the building is about to be demolished. Now Riz and his friends must use the power of filmmaking to save the mansion…before it vanishes forever.

Packed with shivers, laughter, and heart, Don’t Be Scared celebrates friendship, heritage, and daring to fight for what matters—even if it means disagreeing with your family.