I’m starting to feel like this series is hit or miss. This one definitely lacked the spark of most of the others. The story was a little dry and the world was a little predictable. I’ll definitely pick up the next in the series though because when they hit they are gold.

Perfectly suited to graphic novel format. Dreamy, unique artwork, cleverly adapted. The format makes for a breezy, yet still powerful, tone and the content is as relevant as ever. Note: Visual depictions of nudity may make this version slightly more susceptible to censorship than the original.

Beautiful artwork, delightful story, and straightforward representation of girls crushing on each other. I felt the delivery struggled somewhat from incomplete character development/world-building, and awkward flow/pacing, especially in regards to the nuances of the graphic novel format. At times it felt like the crush story struggled to fit seamlessly within the larger narrative. I look forward to seeing what the author does next.

There are SO many snow books out there, but this one is a welcome addition. The focus on the sounds heard on a snowy day, the uncommon setting, the natural integration of the characters’ cultural identities, all give the book a totally unique perspective. A worthwhile, engaging read.

Some things I am obsessed with in this book:

A fascinating look into a very specific time period, place, community, and family. I loved the unique perspective of West as a legend of the Harlem Renaissance writing historical fiction decades later. There are so many compelling questions and observations that clearly come from someone who has the wisdom of a long, meaningful life. I read this soon after Caucasia, which was a perfect pairing, but it would also be interesting to explore it alongside other works that touch on colorism and passing, such as The Vanishing Half and Passing.

I liked this. The last chapter or two really came together for me, especially regarding the characters and the motherhood thread, but it didn’t quite make up for a large part of the book being fairly dry. It felt similar to something like Station Eleven to me, but missing the spark and connections of that book and others like it. There were also little parts throughout that felt off. Like Agnes could remember specific movies but had no context for what pizza was? It took me out of the story somewhat. I appreciated the explorations of a world affected by climate change, but personally it didn’t feel like enough to carry the book.

A fascinating, meticulously researched story that tackles privilege, ableism, racism, and community. Plus, #ownvoices Deaf representation and indigenous rep that made American Indians in Children’s Literature’s Best of the Year list. File it under the growing list of books set in 19th century US that are better than the Little House series.

The world, premise, characters, and art are all stunning. I think the story could have used more depth and building in most areas, even for a graphic novel.

Cute little debut graphic novel perfect for kids or grown ups who love cooking shows, stories of immigration, friendship, and identity (which is practically becoming its own subgenre), or #ownvoices. Also it will make you hungry.