On Episode 263, Alli’s guest walks her through the first installment of one of her all-time favorite series: Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small. They discuss the ins and outs of First Test, as well as why the book has meant so much to the guest over the years. They also talk about toxic masculinity, the importance of quiet good deeds, protagonists who can work through their fears, and the significance of the First Test heroine’s choice to wear a dress during her knight training.

Huda Fahmy’s latest graphic novel Huda F Are You? joins Huda F Cares and That Can Be Arranged on shelves. Follow her on Instagram (@yesimhotinthis) and Twitter (@yesimhotinthis).