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(1)
4-6
Color by Braden Lamb. In this graphic memoir chronicling her fourth-grade year, Telgemeier (Smile; Sisters) sensitively captures the traumas of anxiety. A stomach bug ushers in a fear of vomiting; as her phobia worsens, she starts missing school, limiting foods, and engaging in compulsive behaviors. Telgemeier expertly uses scale and perspective to animate the terror of panic attacks. She also addresses the insecurities of tween female friendships, the stigma of therapy, and the onset of puberty.
Reviewer: Julie Danielson
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
(2)
4-6
Color by Braden Lamb. Ghost-obsessed neighbor Carlos teaches sisters Catrina and Maya (who has cystic fibrosis) about their new California town's traditions (townspeople are serious about Día de los Muertos), sparking interest in their own Mexican roots. The graphic novel's pace builds to moments of high emotion, seen in enlarged panels or full-page illustrations. Notes on Día de los Muertos (but not the cultural liberties taken) are appended.
Reviewer: Elisa Gall
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2016
(1)
4-6
Color by Braden Lamb. Fans of Telgemeier's graphic-novel memoir Smile will be smiling through this companion, an often bittersweet but amusing story about Raina's intense, difficult relationship with her younger sister, Amara. Sepia-toned pages mark flashbacks, which fill readers in on the evolution of this battle. Telgemeier's art humorously captures fourteen-year-old Raina's emotions, drawing readers into the road-trip story, which doesn't depend on having read the first book.
(2)
4-6
Seventh-grader Callie loves musical theater, but she isn't much of a singer, so she works as a set designer for the school drama club. Her second year on stage crew is fraught with drama, on and off the set. Telgemeier gets her middle-school characters just right, and her graphic artist skills make this novel a pleasure to read and re-read.
(3)
YA
Color by Stephanie Yue. From sixth grade to high school, Raina has to deal with her teeth--braces, lost teeth, dental surgery--especially after an accident injures her front teeth (the dental details throughout aren't for the squeamish). She also has to cope with boys, friends, school, and puberty. Told in graphic novel format, Telgemeier's memoir ably depicts one girl's journey through adolescence.