The translation work here really is very good. I spent most of the book thinking it was set in Portland, OR. It reminds me a lot of the work of ErikaThe translation work here really is very good. I spent most of the book thinking it was set in Portland, OR. It reminds me a lot of the work of Erika Moen and other queer cartoonists like her - in illustration style, in color work approach, in narrative voice, in subject matter. I kind of want to read it again with the awareness that I'm seeing how a queer awakening plays out in Spain.
It's candid, charming, relatable. I realize I'm a sucker for illustrations of water, but I really dig the sequence on page 120. Nice variety of panel layouts. Engaging and easy to follow. Love that the limited color palette is in the colors of the Trans Pride Flag.
Great stuff! Felt like reading some of my favorite webcomics, but expanded into a more complete story....more
The cover here, with the roses and ribcage, made me think it was going to use visual metaphor a lot. Like Laura Lee Gulledge, and other cartoonists oThe cover here, with the roses and ribcage, made me think it was going to use visual metaphor a lot. Like Laura Lee Gulledge, and other cartoonists of that ilk. But this is a pretty realistically told story of one kid's struggle with disordered eating, her overbearing mother, a parental death, and other trauma. There's a crush, there's a trip to Paris, there's the struggle of comparing yourself with your best friend. Many things I've seen before in other stories. Although the way things develop with the best friend was less familiar than I expected.
The illustrations mostly follow the cover, minus the vibrant pink/red of the flowers. Very fine lines, limited pastel palette. Heartbreaking, based on the author's life experience (according to the Afterword). Includes a short but well-rounded list of resources in the back matter....more
This is a really beautiful piece of art. It's not a graphic novel in any sense of the word. More an illustrated narrative along the lines of Michelle This is a really beautiful piece of art. It's not a graphic novel in any sense of the word. More an illustrated narrative along the lines of Michelle Tea's Rent Girl. A grownup Picture Book. Most spreads have one full page illustration on one side, and a page of spare text on the other side.
Williams bookends the narrative with her own chronic pain, addiction, and trauma journey. She also includes the stories of four other people. Each one has a heart-breaking story. Lots of abuse (including one of the victims of Olympic Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar), screwed up medical care, and other triggers. Thought-provoking imagery and art. Really really great....more
Something about that subtitle made me think this was going to have some instructional/nonfiction content. But it's very much a narrative/fiction storySomething about that subtitle made me think this was going to have some instructional/nonfiction content. But it's very much a narrative/fiction story. Also a good example of "New Adult," if we're still using that term.
Molly has grown up in a small southern town where an Art College is the main attraction. Her moms own the local hardware store. She's always wanted to attend the school, and won a scholarship that will give her a full ride. Heart-breakingly, when she shows up for orientation, there has been an error, and the scholarship is no more. So she finds a loophole in a different scholarship fund and concocts a plan to create a softball team that should result in the members of the team getting financial aid. It doesn't matter if the team is good, so she just needs to recruit a coach and enough players to show up and win at least one game.
Omigosh, I didn't do a great job of articulating the basics of the plot, and it still took so many words. It doesn't feel that convoluted in the telling. Effective, engaging, full-color illustrations, easy to follow. Variety of panel layouts. I enjoyed getting to know the cast of characters, who all use different art mediums. Liked the commentary on small town economies and the preservation of community institutions.
Incidentally edgier than it might look from the cover - some cussing and one of the artists draws (always obscured in the reader's view) porn. ...more
Fun trip down memory lane for those of us who were alive in the early 00s.
The main character's mom had an interesting job - how many people do you heFun trip down memory lane for those of us who were alive in the early 00s.
The main character's mom had an interesting job - how many people do you hear about working at a mall? And I found it an interesting thing that the kid still thought the mall was cool, even though her mom worked there. She makes some new friends, has some interpersonal drama. Some people I've heard talk about this book said that the predatory teacher plotline was surprising, but I thought it was pretty obvious from the beginning. I like that the "mean girl" plotline took some unexpected turns.
I like Leth's illustration style - kinda blocky, and well complemented by Diana Sousa's vibrant color work. Good variety of panel layouts - some interesting overlapping panel work. Particularly enjoyed the concept behind the Advent Calendar montage of Winter Break passing....more
I've read a lot of Graphic Novel Memoirs. And I've read a fair number of fictionalized personal stories of folx with marginalized identities feeling mI've read a lot of Graphic Novel Memoirs. And I've read a fair number of fictionalized personal stories of folx with marginalized identities feeling marginalized growing up in White straight cis America.
Here, Myer tells their story, which fits in both of those boxes. But as you can see from the cover, they bring in some visual metaphor too. It brings to mind Epileptic, the work of Laura Lee Gulledge, Mis(h)adra, and Black Hole: A Graphic Novel. Oh, and a touch of Stone Fruit too. Really startling imagery, when it breaks into the fairly cutesy style dominating most of the book.
When I read the subtitle, I wondered if it would dig deep into the Issue of Transracial Adoption. The topic is appropriately fraught and problematic. Myer's story is complicated by the fact that they had a sister growing up, who was also transracially adopted. And their sister conformed to desirable traits and stereotypes that Myer could not fit into. This is not a treatise on transracial adoption. It's just one kid's story of feeling that they did not fit in on a profound level.
I very much appreciated the way Myer depicted their theatre friends and process of coming out. Some relatable stuff there for me.
We're in a world where wishes can be physically bottled, and many of the preserved wish opportunities were found in the EgyptiWell, this was STUNNING.
We're in a world where wishes can be physically bottled, and many of the preserved wish opportunities were found in the Egyptian pyramids. Those wishes were stolen/co-opted/colonized by European types. We meet a dude who runs a convenience stand on the side of the road, who is selling three unsanctioned wishes. How he got those wishes, and what happens to them, is the story here.
First of all, the package, the edition we have in our library is Massive. Just an inch or so shy of 8.5x11, over 500 pages. I didn't realize as I was reading it that it was originally published as a trilogy. When I heard that, I instantly knew where the volumes split - they are presented as "parts" in this edition.
I love the diversity of the stories. The character in the second part stands out the most - not only do they have a familiar identity, but they use graphs to demonstrate emotions in a really interesting way I haven't seen before. I loved how the third story brought everything together.
Most of the pages are filled with black&white illustrations, but at the beginning and end of each part, there are full-color pages too. Part of me wouldn't have hated it all being color, but I understand letting the color ebb and flow too.
This is a decidedly modern story from contemporary Egypt. And it made me really want to read more of this kind of thing....more
I HAVE A QUIBBLE! It's a small quibble. But it's a valid quibble. The "girl" in this book does NOT live "next door." She is the MC's backfence neighborI HAVE A QUIBBLE! It's a small quibble. But it's a valid quibble. The "girl" in this book does NOT live "next door." She is the MC's backfence neighbor. The MC describes being able to see the Girl swimming in their backyard pool many times, and the very first scene is of the MC walking across their yards and around the Girl's house to get to the Girl's driveway. "Next Door" means the house "next to" yours. Also, the houses themselves aren't central enough to this book to be the image on the cover. WHY wasn't something soap opera-relevant on the cover, and/or referenced in the title? The soap opera was a way more pivotal context to the story.
I have said my piece.
Here's what I said in my professional reviewer role: Cleo was devastated when her boyfriend dumped her to start dating the most popular girl at school. Cleo and Daniel were supposed to build careers out of making movies together - after getting into NYU to study film, of course. Instead, they must navigate senior year as co-directors of the school’s signature project – the school soap opera. In the midst of her heartbreak, Cleo reconnects with her backyard neighbor, Marianne, who was also dumped – by the person Daniel is dating now. Cleo and Marianne decide to fake-date, and hijinks ensue. This tropey romance is laced with specific details. Cleo is fixated on horror movies, and film in general. Marianne’s Brazilian-American heritage is important to her character. Readers will enjoy watching a diverse supporting cast create a literal soap opera show as the central plot develops. Ultimately, Cleo learns important lessons about herself and her dreams. Recommended for high school and public libraries.
So yeah, I liked it. Some of my best friends are horror movie experts. I liked reading about the process of filming a soap opera*. There are girls kissing each other. I enjoyed reading this book.
*So very adjacent to theatre. Which makes me wonder why it wasn't just a theatre group. Maybe they thought Theatre is becoming dated? And wanted to do something on film? Which makes me sad, as a former Theatre major. But I guess I'm getting old....more
I love alternate history. I'm pretty sure I watched every episode of Sliders on DVD over a decade ago. I've always loved the question of what things cI love alternate history. I'm pretty sure I watched every episode of Sliders on DVD over a decade ago. I've always loved the question of what things could be like if we tweaked just this one thing...
There's something about the art style here that reminds me of the work of Patrick Nagel. But I'll bet there's a better comparison/influence to name. There's something about the style that feels very... still.
Obviously love the representation here. Lots of skin tones and cultural heritages that aren't White, and yay for historical Trans folx! Some great breakage of gender norms.
Looking at who the creators are, though, I wouldn't expect anything else. Definitely looking out for what they make next....more
Aaliyah and her friends can’t wait to see their favorite K-Pop band live in concert. Tragically, when the day finally comes, a terrorist attack targetAaliyah and her friends can’t wait to see their favorite K-Pop band live in concert. Tragically, when the day finally comes, a terrorist attack targets the concert. Aaliyah and her close friends aren’t physically harmed, but the bombing still has major effects. Aaliyah’s family is Muslim, and White supremacy soon raises its ugly head. One of the major threats to Aaliyah’s family comes in the form of her best friend’s brother. In response to the increasing hostility towards Muslim folx, Aaliyah decides to start wearing a hijab, as way of increasing the visibility of positive representation of Muslims. Then, the school administrator bans students from wearing religious symbols.
Dassu’s story is a heartfelt demonstration of advocacy. Although this story is based in England, many of the principles of activism apply in the USA. The supporting cast is diverse and distinct, and backmatter addresses allyship and the author’s lived experience that is relevant to the story. ...more
Follows the alcohol abuse and rehab experience of a butch teen raised in a small dying factory town. Fictionalized account written from lived experienFollows the alcohol abuse and rehab experience of a butch teen raised in a small dying factory town. Fictionalized account written from lived experience. Depictions of gender expression-based harassment, assault, among other things. Most of the pages focus on group therapy/support sessions in the rehab center.
Glasheen's illustrations are distinctive and are consistent with the cover - full-color, with a chaotic watercolor effect. Lined notepaper-like fragments show up throughout, which implies the vibes of a daily journal/processing tool. Their figures have notably angry eyebrows almost all the time. Glasheen is a tattoo artist in PA, alongside their authorship....more
I love the world-building here. It's not too high-fantasy for earbuds and cars. Fully-saturated adventure, with lots of incidental gReally delightful.
I love the world-building here. It's not too high-fantasy for earbuds and cars. Fully-saturated adventure, with lots of incidental gayness and representation. Safia's blindness is important to the plot, but it's not the center of this story.
Yee's style is distinctive but fully accessible. The story is dense but also feels lighthearted and fun.
Planning to take this to local elementary schools in June 2024. ...more
Historical bc it's the late 00s, yo. (wild) Not-Amerika bc all the characters and the author are originally from Toronto (though the author's lived in Historical bc it's the late 00s, yo. (wild) Not-Amerika bc all the characters and the author are originally from Toronto (though the author's lived in the US for many years now).
Interpersonal drama of a very familiar kind. Friend #1 visits Friend #2 in NYC. Friend #2 brings Friend #3, who's never met Friend #1 before. The trip doesn't turn out the way any of the three friends intend or like.
This is squarely New Adult - about college students doing adult things for some of the first times in their lives. The title refers to cell phones, among other things - whether or not to use Roaming minutes is big thing in the plot, since (like I said) the characters are from Canada.
Jillian Tamaki's gorgeous illustrations are in black and white with beige and gray-blue accents and shadowing throughout. She's magical.
They stay in a hostel. They like to do museums differently. It's one of those formative experiences where you Find Out Who You Are.
Brought back some memories. Even though I'm over five years older than these characters must be....more
It's been a WHILE since I enjoyed a non-comic book this much. As all the summaries say, this is Gossip Girl/Mean Girls crossed with Dear White People.It's been a WHILE since I enjoyed a non-comic book this much. As all the summaries say, this is Gossip Girl/Mean Girls crossed with Dear White People. Dark academia mixed with a serious conscience. A lot of pretty scenery and clothing descriptions AND an opportunity to really dig into Blackfishing and why it's bad (among other things). I got the men mixed up early on, but that's pretty typical for me.
It was smart of Omotoni to tell this story from two perspectives. Two cousins, each with totally different ways of confronting the fact that they're two of the only Black folx who go to fancy Wodebury Hall. I appreciated that parts of the story happen off campus, and that we got a chance to see some of the cousins Nigerian cultural roots.
Oh, I should mention the hook: One Monday morning, students arrive on campus to find that some one has left photographs of everyone lying around. And on the back of each photo is a secret about the person in the photo. Finding out who did it and why pushes estranged cousins Iyanu and Kitan into a shared mission.
Fluffy, smart, engrossing. It feels like a high school book, but doesn't have anything I wouldn't give to a middle schooler.
All that said, this book absolutely suffers the plight of forgettable title....more
Four friends come across anime with adult content and sell DVDs of it to other students.
The thing I reallMid-aughts nostalgia in a really cool form!
Four friends come across anime with adult content and sell DVDs of it to other students.
The thing I really liked about this was the style. Every once in a while, the creators introduce a character by giving them a big chunk of a page and sidebar-ing facts about them. I love art like this. There are periodic incidental captions that relay things about the context that may or may not have connotations for the plot at hand. Mostly not.
Also, lovely queer content. Limited color palette with tones of blue, green, black and white. Super fun!...more
Really sweet story about two kids meeting at a Con. I reviewed the Proof edition, which was only colored through page 16. That said, the color work inReally sweet story about two kids meeting at a Con. I reviewed the Proof edition, which was only colored through page 16. That said, the color work in those 16 pages was really distinctive and vibrant.
Warm and fuzzy, cute and sweet. Love the depiction of limb difference and queer representation. ...more
Evelyn and Allie both feel like outsiders. Evelyn is struggling to pull her robotics team together. Allie keeps getting in trouble at school and is onEvelyn and Allie both feel like outsiders. Evelyn is struggling to pull her robotics team together. Allie keeps getting in trouble at school and is on the brink of being expelled. When Allie is forced to join the robotics team, it starts to look like a disastrous combination. The story is told in alternating chapters between Evelyn and Allie’s perspectives.
While Evelyn and Allie both cue White, all of the remaining members of the robotics team are cued POC and have a variety of abilities and sexual identities. Evelyn is Autistic, and Allie is starting to realize that she may be Asexual. They both learn lessons about teamwork and friendship as they get ready for a big robotics tournament.
Pretty great realistic stuff for middle school....more
I'm kinda a big fan of Julia Wertz. Her comics are funny and real. We're close to the same age, and I can definitely feel it.
Here, she focuses in on I'm kinda a big fan of Julia Wertz. Her comics are funny and real. We're close to the same age, and I can definitely feel it.
Here, she focuses in on her struggle with alcoholism, particularly during the last four years of her twenties. There's some life-of-a-cartoonist stuff, some living-in-NYC stuff, some do-I-want-a-partner-or-a-family stuff, some mental-health stuff.
It's thick - over 300 pages - of autobio comics. Style inside inside mostly mimics the cover, but without the highlight color.
Maggie Tokuda-Hall is a rising kid-lit star (just a couple more gaps to fill and she'll be a shoe-in for our annual featured author lit fest). Here, sMaggie Tokuda-Hall is a rising kid-lit star (just a couple more gaps to fill and she'll be a shoe-in for our annual featured author lit fest). Here, she writes of a high school popular clique who are secretly werewolves preying on the worst kind of dudes. It's a pulpy, darkly funny graphic novel, with a fun queer romance to boot! Full color illustrations, variety of page layouts. I'd recommend it to high schoolers and up....more
Intensely personal autobio comic. Deb is Korean American, and struggles throughout their teens with an abusive parent, mental illness, and feeling othIntensely personal autobio comic. Deb is Korean American, and struggles throughout their teens with an abusive parent, mental illness, and feeling other. Feeling other especially in regards to the shape of their eyes. They also struggle with their relationships with friends. There's a heart-wrenching friendship coming-together-and-falling-apart deep in the story that really resonated with me. The story ends with them visiting South Korea.
I love this cover so much. On their website, Lee's got a few samples of alternative posters for movies and artwork (of course) and it's beautiful stuff. The beauty of this cover made me wish the whole thing was in full-color (or a limited color palette closer to the cover). But inside the illustrations are a grayish blue grayscale, so I missed the dimension of additional colors. But there's some really innovative stuff happening with the panel layouts inside. Gorgeous stuff. ...more
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