Graphic novel 'Raise the Bar' illustrates a Chilean girl's pursuit to achieve weighlifting dreams

NPR | By Ayesha Rascoe

Published August 23, 2026 at 8:02 AM EDT

Ayesha Rascoe speaks with author and illustrator Fernanda Frick about her new graphic novel, "Raise the Bar," about a Chilean girl who pursues a passion for weightlifting.

Related Content

In which 'Winnie-the-Pooh' turns 100

Samantha Balaban

In 1926, author A.A. Milne and illustrator Ernest H. Shepard published Winnie-the-Pooh. Now, a new kids' book — How a Bear Became a Book — celebrates their collaboration.
'The Dog Stars' novelist Peter Heller drew on real-life survival skills

Dave Davies

Heller's 2012 novel about a man who survives a super flu that kills most of humanity is now being adapted to film. Adventure writer Heller drew from his own life. Originally broadcast in 2012.
Peter Santenello's 'Your Fellow Americans' explores overlooked U.S. destinations

Sacha Pfeiffer

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks with independent documentarian Peter Santenello about his new book, "Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home."
In 'Etna,' a canine narrator delivers a poignant anti-war message

Maureen Corrigan

Paul Yoon's new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country. From the very first page, Etna's voice is somber and poetic in its simplicity.
'Fed Up' author explains how evolution impacts eating, dieting and fat

Terry Gross

Paleoanthropologist Daniel Lieberman talks about diets he's tested, and contradictory information about what's healthy to eat and what's not. He says evolution often works against weight-loss efforts.

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.