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Float #1
Float, Volume 1
Dive into summer fun in this graphic novel romance from Webtoon. It's perfect for fans of True Beauty and Pumpkinheads!
Amidst the chaos of her parents’ bitter divorce, Alaskan teenager Waverly Lyons trades in her textbooks and parka for a summer of suntans and short-shorts with her aunt in Florida. A fish out of water even back in the snow, Waverly is determined to be everything she isn’t back home: cool, fun, dare she even say part of a group? There’s just one problem. She doesn’t know how to swim.
Enter Blake -- the super-tan, super-hot, super-arrogant boy next door who seems to hate her guts. When he discovers her secret, Waverly is positive that her perfect summer is perfectly over. But then Blake does the unthinkable. He offers to teach her.
This slice-of-life YA romance is illustrated in an anime-inspired style that readers will love. What are you waiting for? Dive in!
Amidst the chaos of her parents’ bitter divorce, Alaskan teenager Waverly Lyons trades in her textbooks and parka for a summer of suntans and short-shorts with her aunt in Florida. A fish out of water even back in the snow, Waverly is determined to be everything she isn’t back home: cool, fun, dare she even say part of a group? There’s just one problem. She doesn’t know how to swim.
Enter Blake -- the super-tan, super-hot, super-arrogant boy next door who seems to hate her guts. When he discovers her secret, Waverly is positive that her perfect summer is perfectly over. But then Blake does the unthinkable. He offers to teach her.
This slice-of-life YA romance is illustrated in an anime-inspired style that readers will love. What are you waiting for? Dive in!
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2025
7 people are currently reading
2597 people want to read
About the author
Kate Marchant
6 books346 followersKate Marchant is an author of Young Adult and New Adult contemporary fiction. She holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Southern California and lives and writes in San Francisco. Her debut novel, FLOAT, is being turned into a feature film.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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September 8, 2025
the fastest i ever read a book?!!! fun but a bit insta-lovely...
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
haven't read a graphic novel in ages 👀 throwback to middleschool when all i'd read are those LOL
anyway this sounds like the perfect summer vibes and the art is rlly pretty so im excited !!!
>> many many thanks to rajdeep @scholastic for the finished copy!!!
𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
haven't read a graphic novel in ages 👀 throwback to middleschool when all i'd read are those LOL
anyway this sounds like the perfect summer vibes and the art is rlly pretty so im excited !!!
>> many many thanks to rajdeep @scholastic for the finished copy!!!
June 24, 2025
lol did I just read a graphic novel episode of The O.C. but in Florida??? Will read volume 2 🤙🏼
August 18, 2025
Volume 1 of a new slice of life YA graphic novel from @webtoonofficial published by @graphixbooks
🌊
Waverly is over her parents’ fighting so when she gets the chance to leave Alaska and head to Florida for the summer to stay with her aunt, she jumps at the opportunity. She also hopes to use this as an opportunity to stop being so shy and awkward. Too bad she ruins it right away by almost drowning. Where her aunt’s neighbor rescues her, they strike a deal that Blake will teach her how to swim. Unfortunately Waverly develops a huge crush on him, even though she suspects he’s not over his ex.
👙
I’m obsessed with this romance graphic novel! I loved Waverly’s character, the artwork and the budding relationship between the two main characters. I need more episodes/volumes immediately! @katethegiraffe @ceejurs
CW: physical assault, violence, emotional abuse, cheating, anxiety, alcohol
🌊
Waverly is over her parents’ fighting so when she gets the chance to leave Alaska and head to Florida for the summer to stay with her aunt, she jumps at the opportunity. She also hopes to use this as an opportunity to stop being so shy and awkward. Too bad she ruins it right away by almost drowning. Where her aunt’s neighbor rescues her, they strike a deal that Blake will teach her how to swim. Unfortunately Waverly develops a huge crush on him, even though she suspects he’s not over his ex.
👙
I’m obsessed with this romance graphic novel! I loved Waverly’s character, the artwork and the budding relationship between the two main characters. I need more episodes/volumes immediately! @katethegiraffe @ceejurs
CW: physical assault, violence, emotional abuse, cheating, anxiety, alcohol
July 19, 2025
This is the grafic novel to one of my favorite books of the year so far. It was decent but not as good as the original book!
August 11, 2025
Review: 3.75 stars
I saw a trailer of the movie this was based off before hearing about the book. It is always wonderful to see a graphic novel following in its stead.
While it isn’t usually the type of graphic novel I tend to read, I did enjoy it for a light summer read. Waverly is spending the summer with her aunt in Florida for the first time in years to get away from her parents. She will finally get to enjoy the summer weather, be a normal teen and make some actual friends. However, she has never known how to swim and almost drowned in the sea while retrieving the volleyball. Enter, her grumpy hot-looking next door neighbour, Blake who offers to teach her how to swim in exchange for her babysitting services for his baby sister.
I empathise with Waverly as she goes through her teenage anxiety and chooses to lie about her swimming ability in an effort to fit in and her struggles with social norms. The story also speaks to teen romance in the form of crushes, breakups and rebounds. It feels like everyone has a secret within a secret making it sometimes an interesting read.
The art is beautiful! Colorful, vibrant with a great display of emotions. The illustrations and the flow of it portrayed the characters’ feelings so well using their facial expressions and verbal body language. Waverly’s overimagination here is also fun to see and read. The aesthetics are on point for the art.
The only thing that lost me at times is the formatting of the panel layouts as it got somewhat confusing to which direction I should be reading top to bottom or left to right…it felt like the formatting didn’t quite hit right when transferred from webtoon to page format.
Thank you Scholastic Canada for the lovely finished copy! It was a great summer read!
August 13, 2025
This feels like a Wattpad story adapted (and lo and behold, the story came from Wattpad; this is not a put down. There’s just a type of flavoring those stories have where they focus more on the romance, brooding bad boys, and just form the plot circumstances around that.
The male character is just so terribly ANGRY for reasons, but in-universe “hot.” The female lead is plain and wants to fly under the radar, so you know what’s going to happen. I also hope there's more to Lena than just being the "support" friend.
For positives, I liked some of Waverly's narrative. She's an overthinker, and it's easy to see how she can work herself up. The artwork was cute. Blake’s little sister was adorable.
Listen, cliché can still be entertaining, so that's not the issue. There are a few trope diversions with Blake's step-mom not being entirely one-note. But overall, Float is not high on my list to continue reading.
The male character is just so terribly ANGRY for reasons, but in-universe “hot.” The female lead is plain and wants to fly under the radar, so you know what’s going to happen. I also hope there's more to Lena than just being the "support" friend.
For positives, I liked some of Waverly's narrative. She's an overthinker, and it's easy to see how she can work herself up. The artwork was cute. Blake’s little sister was adorable.
Listen, cliché can still be entertaining, so that's not the issue. There are a few trope diversions with Blake's step-mom not being entirely one-note. But overall, Float is not high on my list to continue reading.
July 4, 2025
This is a perfect quick summer read. I loved the art style and the flow of the story. It had a nice balance of serious moments and humor, especially when it came to Waverly’s inner thoughts.
The story is about Waverly who is visiting her aunt in Florida for the summer and she doesn’t know how to swim. She tries to keep this information from her new friend group as her grumpy neighbor teaches her how to swim without anyone knowing. She then develops a crush on said neighbor.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was the miscommunication between the characters, but I think that often comes with being a teenager.
If you are looking for a cute summer graphic novel this is the one.
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of the book.
The story is about Waverly who is visiting her aunt in Florida for the summer and she doesn’t know how to swim. She tries to keep this information from her new friend group as her grumpy neighbor teaches her how to swim without anyone knowing. She then develops a crush on said neighbor.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was the miscommunication between the characters, but I think that often comes with being a teenager.
If you are looking for a cute summer graphic novel this is the one.
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of the book.
July 29, 2025
This was cute. But I hate the ending. We don't learn anything. It's giving us a reason to pick up Volume 2, but like nothing felt resolved or fixed. Real review to come to my blog.
June 22, 2025
FLOAT Manga is a cute, well-developed YA rom com based on a book and TV adaptation. My favorite character is the friendly, goofy aunt (since I am one). The main character is dorky and endearing, while her love interest still needs to grow on me. The character Lena needs to be drawn younger-looking, she currently looks 30 y.o.
I think the entire story could have been made into one book and there was no need to divide it up into different volumes, since I read the whole volume in 1 hour, and I think the targeted teen reader could finish it in 3.
Thank you Scholastic for the physical copy!
I think the entire story could have been made into one book and there was no need to divide it up into different volumes, since I read the whole volume in 1 hour, and I think the targeted teen reader could finish it in 3.
Thank you Scholastic for the physical copy!
August 12, 2025
DNF @ his writing 'penis' on the Scrabble board.
If this is society? I'm glad my family eschews it.
This book is about deplorable people with absolutely no brains. They lie, cheat, steal the aunt's car, fight, back-stab, blackmail... WHY, again, are we reading about and glorifying these nasties? Really, I'd love to know. Because there's not a thing about them that speaks of good character and decency.
And NONE of it jives as a story, either. If she's a C+ student? She wouldn't be headed to a *BOOKSTORE* for a job, she'd be making sno-cones or selling Dippin' Dots, hello. And the two bimbo Florida girls wouldn't work in a *BOOKSTORE*, either.
More, if it's a summer job? They would be working evenings, NOT prime day jobs, hello. The owners want their nights with their families, so the extended (later) summer hours would go to kids, NOT the afternoon ones.
There's NO WAY the aunt wouldn't notice she doesn't have a cellphone, or rectify the problem. And there's NO WAY a girl whose parents are separated wouldn't be doting on her whenever it was their turn, to prove they were the better parent - she would *NOT* neglected, she'd be over-spoiled and arrogant. Psychology isn't the author's forte, apparently.
The whole effort is badly contrived, uninspiring, and craptastic, and I don't want my kids anywhere near it. THIS is why I read the books, first. Because this is garbage, and garbage in equals garbage out. We don't live like this. We live set-apart *FROM* this.
If this is society? I'm glad my family eschews it.
This book is about deplorable people with absolutely no brains. They lie, cheat, steal the aunt's car, fight, back-stab, blackmail... WHY, again, are we reading about and glorifying these nasties? Really, I'd love to know. Because there's not a thing about them that speaks of good character and decency.
And NONE of it jives as a story, either. If she's a C+ student? She wouldn't be headed to a *BOOKSTORE* for a job, she'd be making sno-cones or selling Dippin' Dots, hello. And the two bimbo Florida girls wouldn't work in a *BOOKSTORE*, either.
More, if it's a summer job? They would be working evenings, NOT prime day jobs, hello. The owners want their nights with their families, so the extended (later) summer hours would go to kids, NOT the afternoon ones.
There's NO WAY the aunt wouldn't notice she doesn't have a cellphone, or rectify the problem. And there's NO WAY a girl whose parents are separated wouldn't be doting on her whenever it was their turn, to prove they were the better parent - she would *NOT* neglected, she'd be over-spoiled and arrogant. Psychology isn't the author's forte, apparently.
The whole effort is badly contrived, uninspiring, and craptastic, and I don't want my kids anywhere near it. THIS is why I read the books, first. Because this is garbage, and garbage in equals garbage out. We don't live like this. We live set-apart *FROM* this.
September 13, 2025
3.5/5 - A fish out of water story done in a manga-ish style. I liked Waverly and the inner monologue that she sometimes has. I felt like the author and illustrator really took advantage of this format to enhance the overall story and communicate emotion and inner thoughts.
At the same time, the story felt a little too simple. We have this unknown conflict hanging over the whole story and not even part of a resolution. I know there’s another volume coming out, but since we got nothing in this volume, it’s hard to believe we’ll get a full resolution even in volume 2. Why did Waverly purposefully leave her phone in Alaska? Will we ever know? Why is she even visiting her aunt in the first place? In addition, her crush on Blake happens so fast when he’s kind of only been mean to her? So I’m not sure that’s a great message.
I also felt confused at times at the layout of panels. It wasn’t always clear to me which order I was supposed to be reading them in. I’m not reading graphic novels all of the time, so perhaps this is a “me” issue, but I feel like the flow between panels should be a little more natural.
Overall, I did like this book and would definitely read the second volume. The back says that it’s intended for ages 12 and up—I’m not sure I agree with that. It feels like the content is a bit more mature with teenage relationships and underage drinking. I would probably say 14-15 at a minimum.
Note: I received a finished copy from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
At the same time, the story felt a little too simple. We have this unknown conflict hanging over the whole story and not even part of a resolution. I know there’s another volume coming out, but since we got nothing in this volume, it’s hard to believe we’ll get a full resolution even in volume 2. Why did Waverly purposefully leave her phone in Alaska? Will we ever know? Why is she even visiting her aunt in the first place? In addition, her crush on Blake happens so fast when he’s kind of only been mean to her? So I’m not sure that’s a great message.
I also felt confused at times at the layout of panels. It wasn’t always clear to me which order I was supposed to be reading them in. I’m not reading graphic novels all of the time, so perhaps this is a “me” issue, but I feel like the flow between panels should be a little more natural.
Overall, I did like this book and would definitely read the second volume. The back says that it’s intended for ages 12 and up—I’m not sure I agree with that. It feels like the content is a bit more mature with teenage relationships and underage drinking. I would probably say 14-15 at a minimum.
Note: I received a finished copy from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
Someone teach these kids about communication, please. Fist fights are not the way!
This summer vacation is Waverly's chance to be a cool, normal girl - chill with her aunt, maybe get a job, make friends (okay, maybe not with the grumpy neighbor), not let anyone find out she can't swim, and think as little as possible about her parents' divorce. Her ensuing joys and mistakes candidly express fears and social anxieties that are modern and relatable, and leave you rooting for this girl far from home to find her confidence.
This first volume has two major sources of drama - Waverly's swimming ability (or, inability) and wanting to fit in, and the tangled relationships within her newfound friend group. Crushes, breakups, rebounds, you name it, someone's doing it. While it's not my favorite thing in a story (angst is stressful!), I appreciated the candid portrayal of how people can lash out when hurt, or make impulsive decisions driven by emotions that might blow up in order to cover an internal void or insecurity. Everyone in Waverly's circle has some secret to unpack in future volumes.
But there's also laughs. The depictions of Waverly's overimagination are cute and funny, and I particularly liked the baby-sitting experience (what happens when two impulsive teens watch an infant? chaos). I hope that future chapters continue to lean into this levity.
For some reason, I found the panel layouts a little confusing. Usually left-right, top-down, but somehow that didn't always work? The way this webtoon got transferred to page format just didn't click for me.
**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!**
This summer vacation is Waverly's chance to be a cool, normal girl - chill with her aunt, maybe get a job, make friends (okay, maybe not with the grumpy neighbor), not let anyone find out she can't swim, and think as little as possible about her parents' divorce. Her ensuing joys and mistakes candidly express fears and social anxieties that are modern and relatable, and leave you rooting for this girl far from home to find her confidence.
This first volume has two major sources of drama - Waverly's swimming ability (or, inability) and wanting to fit in, and the tangled relationships within her newfound friend group. Crushes, breakups, rebounds, you name it, someone's doing it. While it's not my favorite thing in a story (angst is stressful!), I appreciated the candid portrayal of how people can lash out when hurt, or make impulsive decisions driven by emotions that might blow up in order to cover an internal void or insecurity. Everyone in Waverly's circle has some secret to unpack in future volumes.
But there's also laughs. The depictions of Waverly's overimagination are cute and funny, and I particularly liked the baby-sitting experience (what happens when two impulsive teens watch an infant? chaos). I hope that future chapters continue to lean into this levity.
For some reason, I found the panel layouts a little confusing. Usually left-right, top-down, but somehow that didn't always work? The way this webtoon got transferred to page format just didn't click for me.
**Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to review with YA Books Central. See YABC for more reviews!**
July 12, 2025
I luv a good romance & I loved Blake *twirls hair*. Though, Waverly irritated me at first because she’d let Blake get the best of her, and would blush over him even when he was a total butt. I’m not a fan of main characters who are so easily forgiving of the love interest’s actions. Like, if you want to write an enemies to lovers go for it!, but don’t make only one of them the enemy … (and yes! I know! Blake was a biatch, buuuut we all knew that his character was written with the intention of growing and opening up and becoming kind. #badguyapologist)
Oh, and I am soo not a fan of the miscommunication trope (._.) … Genuinely, this was another aspect that bothered me.
Notwithstanding, I really did enjoy the lovely bits and even the angst resolutions. Got me all giggly and emotional and stuff ♡💋
#WEBTOON
Oh, and I am soo not a fan of the miscommunication trope (._.) … Genuinely, this was another aspect that bothered me.
Notwithstanding, I really did enjoy the lovely bits and even the angst resolutions. Got me all giggly and emotional and stuff ♡💋
#WEBTOON
August 12, 2025
˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗩𝗼𝗹 𝟭 ˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: YA romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 224 pages
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5 ⭐
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Anime style
• YA romance
• Forced proximity
• Next door neighbour
• Found family
• Graphic novel
𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!
The ultimate beach read doesn't exist? Say less! 🏖️🌊
I totally loved this! The story was super fun and engaging, featuring a slow burn enemies to lovers trope, which is my all time favourite! There was plenty of tension, angst, tenderness, and those special moments that kept me glued to the pages.
It wrapped up in a way that made me crave more! I'm really hoping for a Volume 2 because the illustrations were beautifully done, and the quality is just amazing. I just NEED more of this vibrant world!
If you're searching for a quick, easy, summer-themed beach read, then look no further!
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: YA romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 224 pages
𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5 ⭐
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
• Anime style
• YA romance
• Forced proximity
• Next door neighbour
• Found family
• Graphic novel
𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴!
The ultimate beach read doesn't exist? Say less! 🏖️🌊
I totally loved this! The story was super fun and engaging, featuring a slow burn enemies to lovers trope, which is my all time favourite! There was plenty of tension, angst, tenderness, and those special moments that kept me glued to the pages.
It wrapped up in a way that made me crave more! I'm really hoping for a Volume 2 because the illustrations were beautifully done, and the quality is just amazing. I just NEED more of this vibrant world!
If you're searching for a quick, easy, summer-themed beach read, then look no further!
August 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you to scholastic for sending me a copy of this graphic novel! My first ever physical arc and I was so so excited to receive this!
Float is the graphic novel version of the Kate Marchant book of the same name. Described as a slice of life summer romance I can confirm it certainly lives up to those vibes and is perfect for a summer beach read!
When Waverley moves from Alaska to Florida to stay with her aunt, she is immediately thrown into this new world of sun, beaches and stiflingly hot weather. She’s determined to be cool and fit in, but she doesn’t know how to swim. That’s where Blake, who lives next door, steps in after discovering her secret and offers to teach her.
It’s a really lovely ya romance with a cast of fun characters and I’m so ready for another volume to find out what happens next! I may be impatient though and read the novel… we’ll see!
Thank you to scholastic for sending me a copy of this graphic novel! My first ever physical arc and I was so so excited to receive this!
Float is the graphic novel version of the Kate Marchant book of the same name. Described as a slice of life summer romance I can confirm it certainly lives up to those vibes and is perfect for a summer beach read!
When Waverley moves from Alaska to Florida to stay with her aunt, she is immediately thrown into this new world of sun, beaches and stiflingly hot weather. She’s determined to be cool and fit in, but she doesn’t know how to swim. That’s where Blake, who lives next door, steps in after discovering her secret and offers to teach her.
It’s a really lovely ya romance with a cast of fun characters and I’m so ready for another volume to find out what happens next! I may be impatient though and read the novel… we’ll see!
Read
July 3, 2025Thank you so much to Scholastic for a finshed copy in exchange for an honest review! I had heard about Float (both the novel and the movie) here and there, but I had no idea that it was being adapted into a graphic novel, so that was a nice surprise! While this wasn't my typical type of graphic novel story I'd gravitate towards, it was a fun and enjoyable read with great summer vibes. The most stand-out element was CJ Joaquin's fabulous art! CJ's illustrations made this story come to life and they were so colorful, bright, and filled with the best summer vibes. This graphic novel is perfect for anyone wanting a short, slice of life, summer fun story!
June 29, 2025
I finished the WEBTOON in 2024, 3 stars because it’s definitely not bad : didn’t read anything problematic, the plot is nice and makes sense, and there are good characters.
But if there’s something that I really don’t like is miscommunication, it can really spoil the entire thing for me, thankfully there’s like 50 episodes so it’s not something that was dragged for 2 years like some other series.
It had me giggling and I even cried when it finished, this story really embodies the fresh, dreamy summer where you make a brunch of new connections and felt like a splash.
But if there’s something that I really don’t like is miscommunication, it can really spoil the entire thing for me, thankfully there’s like 50 episodes so it’s not something that was dragged for 2 years like some other series.
It had me giggling and I even cried when it finished, this story really embodies the fresh, dreamy summer where you make a brunch of new connections and felt like a splash.
July 14, 2025
Cute summer romance. I'm not sure I like how broody Blake is. Also did it bother anybody else that Blake's baby sister is so poorly drawn??
August 8, 2025
Perfect, cute summer teen romance read!
August 15, 2025
Someone returned this at the library and it peaked my interest. Cute graphic novel, loved the story and art. Can't wait for volume 2.
August 20, 2025
lowk will be reading volume two out of SPITE 🤘
August 28, 2025
just a cute and fun story of summer, friendship and first crushes 🥰💕🌞🌡️🏊♀️will be continuing with the series
August 28, 2025
The graphic novel did not hold my attention as well as the original novel. The original novel was better.
August 29, 2025
I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next volume!
August 31, 2025
2.75 stars
RTC
RTC
September 6, 2025
Too adorable! I wouldn't recommend it for younger readers but it's perfect for teens who want an upbeat summer romance. (Contains teen drinking and fist fights).
September 12, 2025
When Waverly Lyons escapes her parents’ messy divorce for a Florida summer with her aunt, she’s ready to reinvent herself: bronzed, bold, and finally part of the crowd. There’s just one teeny snag—she can’t swim. Enter Blake: the cocky, sun-kissed boy next door who seems allergic to being nice. When he uncovers her secret, Waverly’s dream summer looks sunk…until Blake shocks her with an offer she never saw coming: swim lessons.
I LOVED this book. Great artwork, the slow burn romance. We definitely need more GN romances. Now to wait for the next volume!!!
I LOVED this book. Great artwork, the slow burn romance. We definitely need more GN romances. Now to wait for the next volume!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews