This is such a fantastic middle grade graphic novel about finding yourself, getting the courage to try new things, and gaining some independence. Based on Santat's own experiences in middle school traveling abroad, there's a lot that middle schoolers will relate to. Honestly, getting to do a trip abroad like this in middle school would have been kind of cool!

As expected, the illustrations are fantastic throughou. Santat uses a different color palette when focusing on past memories, and features some of the drawings he did when he was actually in middle school. It was just an overall great reading experience!