rickjones's Reviews (1.66k)

This was a engaging story containing sweet characters with endearing personalities. The world building is nicely done too, and the mysteriousness involved throughout it held my interest to the last page. There are darker moments throughout the story but they're balanced out with light-hearted ones, alongside the optimism and friendship between the characters. I enjoyed how each one of them is working through their own insecurities and learning how to grow into their identities and new relationships. I also enjoyed the art throughout the book, funny and dramatic moments are paced well, and the characters are full of life and expression. I would recommend this to other readers, for both kids and adults alike.

This is a wonderfully told story about family, identity, depression, and the dual pains of trying to burrow into the heart of a person who's hardened while trying to soften and risk being vulnerable to those who say they love you. 

Ray and Bron's separation and increased vulnerability with their family is told side by side, highlighting both their similarities and differences. The couple's relationship with Ray's young niece Nessie had enriched and threatened a life they founded on the principle of discarding their biological family to form their own, fully understanding one. At the same time, they come to realize that their family ties are still relevant in their lives and they still have a longing to by known and wanted by the people they grew up with. 

The art adds emotion and intimacy to the story through illustrated expressions and variations of physical compassion, or lack thereof. One of the richest uses of the art is when Ray, Bron and Nessie are all drawn with animalistic, quick-moving personas representing the freedom they feel during their play. 

The book doesn't end with any sort of simple happy ending, but speaks to the desire in all of us to feel like we belong without having to sacrifice who we are. There's probably many nuances within it that I missed, and I highly recommend it to other readers. 

This graphic novel is a good starting place for younger readers to learn about the significance of 9/11 and why it's so impossible to forget for those who experienced and witnessed the plane crashes. Yet I definitely feel it could have gone more in depth about the aftermath of that day, especially in regards to the inhumane decisions our government has made in warfare and denying help for those still dying of toxins. It does mention how Islamophobia and unjust wars are a tragic part of 9/11's legacy, albeit briefly, which is necessary part of any retelling. The art was really well done and captured the fear, despair and anger of those who endured the attacks and those who kept searching for survivors under the Pile.

This is a powerful story about a Blackfoot mother's refusal to be defined by any national identity other than the one she feels pride in. I felt the choice to narrate this book through her young son's eyes was a wise one that added to the emotion and unjust absurdity of the circumstances leading to their limbo between countries. He is too young to fully understand the significance of what he's experiencing, or the bravery in his mother's stubborn assertion of her citizenship. His focus often rests on other parts of the experience. I do feel that the story is written in a way where young readers will pick up on its themes of arbitrary division and the power of family and heritage however. The art was also very well done, it added intensity in the story through subtle expressions, landscapes and excellent pacing. I highly recommend this book to other readers. 

I became intrigued by this book within the first few pages. The use of nature imagery and bright colors were very inviting, along with young Iris' adventurous spirit. I enjoyed how the story displayed the messiness of being a young teenager and trying to sort out who you are, what you want, what your emotions tell you, and your misplaced belief that you're a near adult. Iris is a competent and courageous girl, but with immature streaks that foil Sam's openness and cautiousness. Through meeting a couple from another generation, both Iris and Sam are able to gain a truer understanding of their town's history and appreciation for the balance between the adventure of exploring and the security of staying in the same place with those who already know you. 

This is a really sweet story about first love and learning to be vulnerable and open. I felt the use of selkie mythology was really interesting, since it's not something I've read before in many other stories and creates higher stakes for Morgan and Keltie's budding romance. The plot is pretty simple otherwise, but one many young people can likely see themselves in. I think my favorite part of this comic was how the art made use of body language to express Morgan and Keltie's personalities and their love for each other.