“Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans will resonate strongly with readers aged 14 and over who are navigating high school, identity, friendships and first relationships, especially those tired of being asked who they intend to become. Fans of Cath Crowley will appreciate Gaetjens’s compassionate voice and reassuring message: pain does not last forever, and confidence grows each time we choose courage.”
Books+Publishing Review
“We chat with author Zoe Gaetjens about Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans, which is set over one pivotal summer before Year 12 and follows teenage Cleo, who is navigating friendship, identity, and loss, all whilst trying not to panic in a room full of naked people.”
The Nerd Daily
“Full of personal challenges, positive energy, and a blossoming romance”
Good Reading Magazine
“… a book that gives you a slice of real life set in your hometown that combines self-belief, friendship, romance, humour and grief in a wonderfully engaging and quite unexpected setting, it’s just an absolute joyful experience.”
Just So Stories
Funny and heartfelt, Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans, blends first love, friendship and grief with a vivid sense of place and an honest, hopeful core. Set in a life-drawing class full of strangers, it’s a story about finding yourself while navigating everything that comes with growing up.
Ramona Magazine
“An important and memorable book. Highly recommended.”
“… an important and engaging picture book that explores themes of belonging and acceptance.
Story Links
“Deep and dynamic, Being Indy is a picture book that deserves to be read many times. Each perusal will draw out a new and interesting interpretation of the tale, as well as a greater admiration for the strength of independence."
Buzz Words Books
“Being Indy with its powerful message, invites readers of all ages to reflect on the value of diversity, the importance of standing in solidarity with others and the freedom that comes from embracing who we really are. This modern-day fable is a valuable addition to any classroom or home library, offering both a compelling story and a thoughtful springboard for discussions about belonging, inclusion, empathy and community."
Reading Opens Doors
“But what this book does is magical and beautiful, because whilst the first part shows division and sameness as safe, it starts to allow colour to flourish. Colour – all colour – is used as a metaphor for people being themselves in whatever way that may be. Race, gender, disability, neurodivergence…any way of being.”
The Book Muse
“This is a gorgeous and highly interactive board book for younglings. Its beautiful repetitive flow will have kids reading along, and the guessing opportunities are great for big group settings. Gaetjens has masterfully created a book that teaches while it entertains, with the entertaining being the dominant feature (the way it should be).”
Kids' Book Review
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