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The Golden Hour
From the author of The Deep & Dark Blue comes a tender graphic novel, perfect for our time, that gently explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, healing from tragedy, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he's teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project.
Sebastian lives on a grass-fed cattle farm outside of town, and Manuel finds solace in the open fields and in the antics of the newborn calf Sebastian is hand-raising. As Manuel aides his new friends in their preparations for the local county fair, he learns to open up, confronts his deepest fears, and even finds first love.
This title will be simultaneously available in paperback.
Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he's teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project.
Sebastian lives on a grass-fed cattle farm outside of town, and Manuel finds solace in the open fields and in the antics of the newborn calf Sebastian is hand-raising. As Manuel aides his new friends in their preparations for the local county fair, he learns to open up, confronts his deepest fears, and even finds first love.
This title will be simultaneously available in paperback.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2021
About the author
Niki Smith
34 books199 followersArtist, writer, lover of fine comics (and some pretty trashy ones too). Niki Smith now calls Germany home and is dedicated to filling the world with queer and diverse stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
April 21, 2022
Centering and finding oneself in the aftermath of trauma is a difficult thing to do, and undoubtedly exponentially more challenging when you are of an age still trying to figure out who you are under normal circumstances. The Golden Hour from graphic novelist and artist Niki Smith is one of the best looks at trauma coping and panic attacks I’ve seen, enhanced through a dynamic art experience that makes it worth reading if only for the landscape panels alone. Following a school shooting where he was the only witness, Manuel Soto is attempting to cope with his anxiety and panic attacks by anchoring himself through photography when he is put into a group project with peers Sebastian and Caysha. This slice-of-life graphic novel is a really heartrending look at the power of friendship and healing properties of art, showing Niki Smith is just as adept at realistic fiction as she was in the fantasy realm of her wonderful previous work, The Deep & Dark Blue, with an impressive art-style and moving character study with inclusive representation that will feel like a comforting embrace to any who read it.
First off, the art is breathtaking. For real. Just look at it.
There is an attention to light and shadows that extract the idea of golden hour photography and replicates it to jaw dropping glory. Which is key to this book seeing as Manuel being an impressive photographer is essential to the story and his coping mechanisms, with key moments framed in a drawn-on rectangle to imply looking through a camera. Smith also succeeds in her representation of panic attacks, draining all color from the frame in surreal passages that break the camera rectangle into chaotic fragments of lines to adorn the image and enhance the anxious tone. The color pallets build an emotional resonance as well and really pulled me back into my midwest teenage years running around with friend making plans and memories under moonlight. The way the light falls in the art, the puffs of breath freezing in the air, it’s all perfect. I love it.
The story is quite moving as well, showing the importance of a support group and doing a really wonderful job of capturing how trauma recovery works. The three new friends use agricultural club and the coming fair as an excuse to hang out, which really captures the way youthful hobbies become a vessel for understanding yourself through your interaction with it as well as a rallying point to process group dynamics and find like-minded companions to support one another and grow together. The book also addresses how companionship can slow-blossom into romantic feelings, and that the representation of it in this book is a gay romance allowed to flourish completely devoid of any questionings if being LBTQ+ is okay or any outside homophobia is quite lovely to see.
The focus of this novel is trauma recovery and the methods towards it and the triggers that beset the process, and Niki Smith does an excellent job not only of addressing it but showing how important art can be in these moments. The character of Manuel’s mother is also quite interesting. She means well and is truly trying to be helpful, but her grueling work schedule makes it hard for her to have the time and space to be there or understand as productively as she would like. This is an important idea to address, as it examines the difficulties imposed upon working-class people that are additional barriers towards mental health, recovery and support. Another aspect I found to be done well was the school being aware of Manuel’s needs but the respect for his privacy also leading to certain staff members being unaware and responding to Manuel in ways that are harmful (such as confiscating his phone, which he uses as an anchor, because his use of it was breaking classroom policies but removing it was also triggering a panic attack). I think this is realistic and shows how nuanced issues can be.
The Golden Hour is a moving little slice-of-life that addresses many important issues in a productive way. It slowly moves through the narrative at a cozy pace, just letting everything breathe and giving space for the art to shine. This would work for both middle grade and YA readers, but is just as rewarding and meaningful to adult readers, which is something I truly appreciate in any work. Niki Smith continues to impress and the art alone is worth the journey.
4/5
May 18, 2021
PTSD recovery! Supportive best friends! Queer first love! Adorable baby cows! The Golden Hour is the warm hug of a graphic novel for everyone who’s ever struggled to cope.
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March 18, 2021I can't wait to share The Golden Hour with you!
January 29, 2022
Manuel is a tweenish(?) boy in Middle America dealing with PTSD after a traumatic event at school. He finds relief through photography and by making some new friends, one of whom lives on a farm and introduces Manuel to rural life and group activities in a club which is not 4-H (*cough*but is 4-H*cough*). It's a slow but effective tale of healing.
An LGBTQ+ relationship is very subtly hinted at between a couple characters, as if to allow those readers so inclined to pretend it doesn't exist.
An LGBTQ+ relationship is very subtly hinted at between a couple characters, as if to allow those readers so inclined to pretend it doesn't exist.
January 21, 2022
Manuel struggles with PTSD after a shooting at his school, but it happened after hours so his classmates don't know that he was the only witness. He uses photography to anchor himself during anxiety attacks. Luckily, he is paired with two friendly, enthusiastic students for a group project who end up pulling him along into their Ag-club. Manuel gets to help Sebastian and Caysha raise a calf, and in this gentle animal's presence he is able to open up about some of fears. This book is gorgeously illustrated in Niki Smith's characteristic thin clean lines, with soft painterly backgrounds filling in the gold, brown, green and grey of Kansas. The fields and skies feel vast, but are the perfect setting for an intimate story of recovery.
March 1, 2022
Did not realize I needed a graphic novel about PTSD, friendship, and sweet lil baby cows but dammit I sure did.
May 16, 2022
Lovely slice-of-life tale of a young boy in Kansas, with well-composed and gorgeously painted panels of the landscape (and animals). The PTSD is handled well, with respect and without voyeurism. Highly recommended if you're looking for a tale of diverse friends in a small Midwestern farming town, where the stakes are a 4-H calf competition, fancy fancy chickens, and stage fright.
September 6, 2022
A beautiful story about coping with trauma lightly interlaced with a potential queer love storyline, this is simply a good book.
November 28, 2022
A subtle, quiet look at PTSD through the eyes of a boy traumatized by school gun violence. (I was just talking about PTSD with my kid the other day, so now I have the perfect book to pass on to him!) Manuel was the only one around when his art teacher got threatened by a shooter. The incident flickers back through his mind (shown through black and white, jagged episodes) and taking pictures is how he copes. I loved the panels of this book and the golden, warm palette--I've never lived in (and for all intents and purposes, have never 'been to' to the Midwest) but the art and pacing gave me a window--I loved the landscape panels and the ones showing the different plays on light and how Manuel learns to observe the light and to frame his photos. Overall, the story was characterized by a silence and gentleness that did not need a big climax or resolution and the no-drama budding romance between Manuel and Sebastian was so sweet. I appreciated this book as an adult, but I can definitely see this being enjoyed by a younger audience, and a great way to have some dialogue with younger people about trauma and the power of art to keep us grounded. Also, a great book where queerness just IS. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2024
A compelling graphic novel that follows the story of Manuel Soto, a young boy dealing with PTSD and anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event at school. Manuel struggles with panic attacks and disassociation, but through new friendships and creative outlets, he begins to find a path to healing.
The narrative is deeply touching, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of art as therapy. Manuel's journey is beautifully depicted through Smith's artwork, which vividly captures the contrasting emotions of calm and panic. His bond with classmates Sebastian and Caysha (who are both lovely characters) plays a crucial role in his recovery, and their collective experiences at the county fair bring moments of joy and connection that anchor Manuel during his darkest times.
Smith's portrayal of Manuel's struggles is both realistic and hopeful, offering an authentic look at how young people cope with trauma. The inclusion of a queer romantic subplot between Manuel and Sebastian adds an extra layer of depth and representation to the story.
Overall, The Golden Hour is a moving exploration of mental health and friendship, suitable for readers aged 10+
The narrative is deeply touching, exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of art as therapy. Manuel's journey is beautifully depicted through Smith's artwork, which vividly captures the contrasting emotions of calm and panic. His bond with classmates Sebastian and Caysha (who are both lovely characters) plays a crucial role in his recovery, and their collective experiences at the county fair bring moments of joy and connection that anchor Manuel during his darkest times.
Smith's portrayal of Manuel's struggles is both realistic and hopeful, offering an authentic look at how young people cope with trauma. The inclusion of a queer romantic subplot between Manuel and Sebastian adds an extra layer of depth and representation to the story.
Overall, The Golden Hour is a moving exploration of mental health and friendship, suitable for readers aged 10+
December 28, 2023
Beautiful art and a very important story.
October 16, 2022
My first book in many months. A wonderful read.
May 6, 2022
Young Manuel has PTSD, as his teacher was injured in a school shooting to which Manuel happened to see and pulled a fire alarm for help. This is a beautiful book, showing the power of friendships (with his classmates Sebastian and Caysha). Manuel is perfectly distracted by his burgeoning interest in photography and other natural abilities his shy personality reveals in this story.
A solid 5* on the graphics in this book. Manuel (maybe 7th grade?) reacts to the sound of gunshots later in the book (video game; agriculture kid-camp shooting range) that REALLY should have been addressed via some counseling after the incident with the teacher. So it was rather 3.5* story-plot to allow this to happen.
It might have been better had the teacher returned (with bandage) to school. Then some strong amount of time go by (where these triggers are kept away), and maybe have these re-surface in the next school year. He definitely should have been told to stay away from violent video games! However, his single-mom seemed quite busy and maybe this was just a natural human-slip per the juggling life-style.
There was a nice emphasis to Manuel to focus on an 'anchor'. I liked the anchors he chose to calm himself. I like that his friends were so helpful. An itsy-bitsy amount of lgbt squeaks very quietly into this story as Manuel befriends Sebastian. Young readers might not even notice this happening.
A recommendable book to read. 4*
A solid 5* on the graphics in this book. Manuel (maybe 7th grade?) reacts to the sound of gunshots later in the book (video game; agriculture kid-camp shooting range) that REALLY should have been addressed via some counseling after the incident with the teacher. So it was rather 3.5* story-plot to allow this to happen.
It might have been better had the teacher returned (with bandage) to school. Then some strong amount of time go by (where these triggers are kept away), and maybe have these re-surface in the next school year. He definitely should have been told to stay away from violent video games! However, his single-mom seemed quite busy and maybe this was just a natural human-slip per the juggling life-style.
There was a nice emphasis to Manuel to focus on an 'anchor'. I liked the anchors he chose to calm himself. I like that his friends were so helpful. An itsy-bitsy amount of lgbt squeaks very quietly into this story as Manuel befriends Sebastian. Young readers might not even notice this happening.
A recommendable book to read. 4*
May 8, 2023
A graphic novel for 4-H tweens, young teens who plan to be Future Farmers of America (FFA) members or those looking for a story with a rustic or rural setting. Manuel, Sebastian and Caysha are part of a group project. Sebastian and Caysha are members of Ag Club. (As a former member, it sounded a lot like 4-H.) Sebastian is raising and showing a beef calf, Cayshia who lives in town is raising chickens at her grandparents. They encourage Sebastian to join so that he might be able to show his photography and art at the county fair.
This is a friendship story that shows 4-H isn't just for conservative farm kids. It's a story that speaks to the rural tweens and teens who may feel like outsiders in their conservative communities.
This is a friendship story that shows 4-H isn't just for conservative farm kids. It's a story that speaks to the rural tweens and teens who may feel like outsiders in their conservative communities.
February 1, 2022
So, SO good.
August 24, 2024
so rural and queer and sweet! really heavy topics covered here but they were handled so well. such a good representation of ptsd and anxiety. also the anchor and the anchor phone case <3 such a good story about how to be there for your friends as well!!
March 2, 2022
Such a heartfelt, sweet book.
February 24, 2022
Great representation of PTSD, panic attacks, friendship, and finding out that an anchor can be more than just one thing. Sweet friendship between Manuel and Sebastian with the beginnings of more.
December 28, 2021
Where do I begin with this graphic novel? I loved almost everything about it. Following the story of Manuel, who has witnessed a tragedy at his school and uses photography to cope with it. He makes friends through the assignment of an art project, and they help him heal, too. From the relationships, art, writing, and just general format, there's nothing I didn't like about this book.
The way that PTSD and panic attacks are portrayed in this book are some of the best I've seen done in graphic novel format. For Manuel, all of the color disappears, and you almost feel the panic with him. His relationship with Sebastian was perhaps one of my favorite things in the book because Sebastian really wants to be there for him. There are subtle hints throughout that their friendship is more than a friendship, and if you're not paying close attention, you might miss them. When it's a first relationship like this, in a middle grade novel, I feel like this formatting works so well for the story.
The art! How have I gotten this far and not talked about the art yet? Formatted around the idea of the golden hour for photography, there are just some goregous shots in here. Absolutely gorgeous. I only know Niki Smith from The Deep & Dark Blue, but I feel like this book has built on what I loved about that book.
All in all, this fits the middle grade genre so well. It's one I will keep thinking about and will definitely keep an eye on what Niki Smith does next.
The way that PTSD and panic attacks are portrayed in this book are some of the best I've seen done in graphic novel format. For Manuel, all of the color disappears, and you almost feel the panic with him. His relationship with Sebastian was perhaps one of my favorite things in the book because Sebastian really wants to be there for him. There are subtle hints throughout that their friendship is more than a friendship, and if you're not paying close attention, you might miss them. When it's a first relationship like this, in a middle grade novel, I feel like this formatting works so well for the story.
The art! How have I gotten this far and not talked about the art yet? Formatted around the idea of the golden hour for photography, there are just some goregous shots in here. Absolutely gorgeous. I only know Niki Smith from The Deep & Dark Blue, but I feel like this book has built on what I loved about that book.
All in all, this fits the middle grade genre so well. It's one I will keep thinking about and will definitely keep an eye on what Niki Smith does next.
December 27, 2021
This was a gorgeously done graphic novel about tragedy, anxiety, and finding safe places (and people) to heal.
After watching a teacher get shot by another student, Manuel is struggling with PTSD. He finds himself anxious and often dissociating--and only his photography seems to be able to stop. When some new friends introduce him to the simple beauty of farm and county-living, Manuel finds that there might be a way through his anxiety and that opening up to his new friends might not be so bad.
Beautiful artwork and an engaging story. Highly recommended.
After watching a teacher get shot by another student, Manuel is struggling with PTSD. He finds himself anxious and often dissociating--and only his photography seems to be able to stop. When some new friends introduce him to the simple beauty of farm and county-living, Manuel finds that there might be a way through his anxiety and that opening up to his new friends might not be so bad.
Beautiful artwork and an engaging story. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2021
A beautiful middle grade graphic novel that looks at PTSD and anxiety.
February 16, 2022
Sweet sweet angel baby recovering from a very traumatic event. PTSD, mental health journey, cute young love, and ADORABLE BABY COWS! This graphic novel has it all. 10/10 would recommend.
September 2, 2022
So so good! The art - beautiful! The story - amazing! I teared up multiple times! There's a lot we can learn from Manuel and his fight through trauma and anxiety.
May 26, 2023
Shockingly, amidst the mountain of YA graphic novels that deal with racism, depression, trauma, and other ailments of late capitalism, this is the first I've read that's explicitly about a school shooting. Considering the number of these tragedies in the news, you'd think the publishers would be clamoring for this fare to help kids unpack their fears and feelings.
In any case, The Golden Hour is very good, and does an excellent job of portraying the aftermath of a school shooting without actually delving too deep into the traumatic event itself. A very solid read for kids who might be struggling and don't want to relive the news.
In The Golden Hour, Miguel is a young student who was alone with his art teacher when a shooter broke into the classroom. While Miguel wasn't injured, he was traumatized by the event. His doctor has suggested that Manuel find anchors when he's having a panic attack, and Manuel has identified the camera's lens as a good way to do this. Also helping are Manuel's new friends who introduce him to the gentle rhythms of farm life in rural Kansas.
The book is overall quiet and simple, gently predictable in a pleasant way. Manuel never quite overcomes his PTSD, but he learns ways to work with it and gain strength through friendship and goals. The Golden Hour is a powerful little read that I would definitely recommend to both the young and old.
In any case, The Golden Hour is very good, and does an excellent job of portraying the aftermath of a school shooting without actually delving too deep into the traumatic event itself. A very solid read for kids who might be struggling and don't want to relive the news.
In The Golden Hour, Miguel is a young student who was alone with his art teacher when a shooter broke into the classroom. While Miguel wasn't injured, he was traumatized by the event. His doctor has suggested that Manuel find anchors when he's having a panic attack, and Manuel has identified the camera's lens as a good way to do this. Also helping are Manuel's new friends who introduce him to the gentle rhythms of farm life in rural Kansas.
The book is overall quiet and simple, gently predictable in a pleasant way. Manuel never quite overcomes his PTSD, but he learns ways to work with it and gain strength through friendship and goals. The Golden Hour is a powerful little read that I would definitely recommend to both the young and old.
February 17, 2024
This poor baby. The Golden Hour is both inspiring and heartbreaking all at once. It’s the sort of book you unfortunately need out there in the world with the climate we’ve been forced into, but man is it depressing at times.
The thing is, this is a great story about healing. It’s not to say that everything gets fixed or that the journey is easy and without crutches or fallbacks. But it is achievable and there is so much worth appreciating in those who are around to support us through the toughest times.
The thing is, this is a great story about healing. It’s not to say that everything gets fixed or that the journey is easy and without crutches or fallbacks. But it is achievable and there is so much worth appreciating in those who are around to support us through the toughest times.
March 25, 2022
The art, the coloring!!! Wow this book is visually and emotionally beautiful 🥺
Also - Manuel x Sebastian, friendship to young love vibes?? I love to see it 🥺🥺🥺
This story is moved so deftly between heartbreak and wholesomeness, trauma and slice-of-life humor, darkness and warmth… really really lovely work, and such a deeply resonant artistic depiction of mental health struggles such as anxiety, depersonalization etc.
Also - Manuel x Sebastian, friendship to young love vibes?? I love to see it 🥺🥺🥺
This story is moved so deftly between heartbreak and wholesomeness, trauma and slice-of-life humor, darkness and warmth… really really lovely work, and such a deeply resonant artistic depiction of mental health struggles such as anxiety, depersonalization etc.
May 10, 2023
un roman graphique magnifique. Manuel souffre de PTSD suite à un événement traumatique : il est en proie à des épisodes de dissociation violents, de crises d'angoisse. Mais grâce à ses meilleurs amis (et un premier amour queer... ils sont trop chous) il se remet, rechute, se relève, trouve des points d'ancrage. C'est beau, mignon, plein d'espoir, et il y a des bébés vache. Que demander de plus?
September 27, 2023
Perfectly paced and wholesome! Manuel’s dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event, triggering PTSD. He finds his anchor in photography, his friends, farming, and what seems to be the beginnings of a crush.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved the artwork. The way the author shows Manuel’s struggles were well-done. The tidbits about photography and composition were nice as well.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and loved the artwork. The way the author shows Manuel’s struggles were well-done. The tidbits about photography and composition were nice as well.
January 31, 2022
Loved everything about this. An important book!
April 19, 2022
I came for the cows and stayed for the depiction of anxiety and trauma 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews