An excellent story of a middle grade girl navigating American life as a Chinese immigrant and her efforts to figure out how to meld the two cultures iAn excellent story of a middle grade girl navigating American life as a Chinese immigrant and her efforts to figure out how to meld the two cultures into her identity. Very everyday, slice of life and relatable; not preachy; sometimes poignant, but understated and not dramatic. It's a personal and personable story....more
A little bit Jane Eyre and a little bit The Little Mermaid flipped on its head, a story about pretty boys and resourceful, admirable young women. A taA little bit Jane Eyre and a little bit The Little Mermaid flipped on its head, a story about pretty boys and resourceful, admirable young women. A tale well told....more
Wonderfully illustrated, interesting stories that weren't as evocative as I would have liked them to be.Wonderfully illustrated, interesting stories that weren't as evocative as I would have liked them to be....more
An accessible and relatable story of dealing with bullies, rough friendship terrain, and family struggles as a sixth grader. Appealing and quietly affAn accessible and relatable story of dealing with bullies, rough friendship terrain, and family struggles as a sixth grader. Appealing and quietly affecting....more
Interesting extended metaphor for the cycle of a relationship, if a bit overdone. Still, I'm intrigued enough to continue to the conclusion in book 3.Interesting extended metaphor for the cycle of a relationship, if a bit overdone. Still, I'm intrigued enough to continue to the conclusion in book 3....more
Humorously and sympathetically portrays the author's school experience as a Chinese-Canadian in an immigrant family through the happenings of an epicaHumorously and sympathetically portrays the author's school experience as a Chinese-Canadian in an immigrant family through the happenings of an epically bad week of middle school. Constant mocking and trouble at school, constant bickering and resentment at home, yet a delight to read....more
A worthy follow-up to the first that isn't just a retread. Smart, attractive, and fun.A worthy follow-up to the first that isn't just a retread. Smart, attractive, and fun....more
Poignant slices of lives of realistically flawed people and the often painful--though common and relatable--mistakes they make. Affecting storytellingPoignant slices of lives of realistically flawed people and the often painful--though common and relatable--mistakes they make. Affecting storytelling....more
Amazing, beautiful illustrations convey action, personality, and atmosphere. They immerse readers in a bleak story of desperate survival.
Some apocalypAmazing, beautiful illustrations convey action, personality, and atmosphere. They immerse readers in a bleak story of desperate survival.
Some apocalypse has wiped out the humans and most of the food, and has left the remaining animals wondering what to do in a world of ruins and overlong grey winter. Two young mice are trying to help their colony find new ways of making do even as their community splinters from in-fighting. Some of the other animals out in the wider world can be friendly, but many are deadly. Wix and Pict each get sucked into more adventure than desired: journeys to new places, encounters with new creatures, different cultures, civilizations, politics, and myths.
The creators showcase their amazing ability to capture everyday, mundane interactions in a realistic, naturalized way. These simple moments come to liThe creators showcase their amazing ability to capture everyday, mundane interactions in a realistic, naturalized way. These simple moments come to life in their hands. Quiet interpersonal turmoil packed with meaning below the surface. I kept thinking I should find the story boring, but it was engaging and moving....more
I haven't read the novel this is based on so don't know how it compares--but can say I really enjoyed this. The art style worked well for the content,I haven't read the novel this is based on so don't know how it compares--but can say I really enjoyed this. The art style worked well for the content, which I can't get out of my head. I wish the rest of the story was published so I could keep reading to find out what happens next....more
The illustrations didn't really click for me and I often felt like I was missing a lot of the information that was meant to be conveyed--especially siThe illustrations didn't really click for me and I often felt like I was missing a lot of the information that was meant to be conveyed--especially since many of the panels, pages, and spreads are wordless ones where the artwork carries the story. Nevertheless, it's a lovely story, and I can only think those who understand it better than I will only enjoy it more....more
A beautifully rendered and told tale of a boy, in a fantastical version of middle America, struggling to escape a generational cycle of violence and aA beautifully rendered and told tale of a boy, in a fantastical version of middle America, struggling to escape a generational cycle of violence and abuse. To not become his father, who became his father before him. And of the people he finds on his journey who help him break free and become someone else. Wonderfully imagined world-building, strong characters, and a moving story. Excellent....more
A beautifully illustrated story about girl with mythical powers caught between competing interests that would use her, struggling to figure out who toA beautifully illustrated story about girl with mythical powers caught between competing interests that would use her, struggling to figure out who to side with and who to hurt. Gripping and satisfying....more
A wonderfully told true story of a Mexican-American family's trip, in the 1970s, back to their hometown to retrieve their aging Abuelo. Author Pedro MA wonderfully told true story of a Mexican-American family's trip, in the 1970s, back to their hometown to retrieve their aging Abuelo. Author Pedro Martin was the seventh of nine kids in his boisterous family and they never had a quiet or boring moment. He includes many hilarious episodes, a good number of poignant moments, and a ton of personality and character. By the end, you feel almost as though you know the family....more