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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy portrays many social issues teens today experience. Alix, an exceptional hockey player is being bullied by her team captain. After Alix witnesses Ezra, a popular Drama student, face his bullies with courage and wit, she decides that she needs his help. As they spend time together, Alix meets new people, builds confidence and faces family issues as well as develops a relationship with Ezra. She learns to face her fears and stand up for herself to reach her goals.
This graphic novel is the message I would love our students to understand and learn from. The illustrations are simple which allows the text to stand out. I will definitely be purchasing this book.
This graphic novel is the message I would love our students to understand and learn from. The illustrations are simple which allows the text to stand out. I will definitely be purchasing this book.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
sad
In case you didn't notice my updates exploding with my love for this comic... I loved this. It was absolutely spontaneous read, I'm not sure how it even appeared on my radar but I saw it and my brain went "want! want! want!" So I did the logical thing = dropped everything and started to read this. And omg, I absolutely didn't expect it to be this good!
I will try to not go into too many details in the review, because if you look at my updates, I updated about every three pages, so... if you want more details you could just read through those...
I recently read [b:Pumpkinheads|40864790|Pumpkinheads|Rainbow Rowell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1537541596l/40864790._SX50_.jpg|42907220] which Hicks illustrated. And while I didn't care for the story-line of Pumpkinheads I really did like the art... No shade to [a:Rainbow Rowell|4208569|Rainbow Rowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1652825664p2/4208569.jpg] intended here, I love some of her books, but the story here is so much better than in Pumpkinheads and...! I'm just so happy with this little story and I want more of the characters!
Okay, so what do we have here... a female hockey-enthusiast & player protagonist Alix with anger issues. Bisexual love interest theater kid with a queer clique and some issues of his own, though I think I'm going to leave those secret. As a bisexual, I really appreciated the bisexual portrayal here and I liked the role it played in the plot. (Also, just remembered now Ezra, actually doesn't use any label and is vocal about not wanting to use any label, so sorry for labeling him...)
Also, she is a little taller than him (and also way more buff) and I loved that! Honestly, the amazing bisexual thing happened to me here, where I had sort of crush on both of them and... living my best life! I really love how both of them were drawn - I would pick Alix if I had to, but... ugh... they were so cute! And the romance was great! And... oh, I can see we are returning to the gushing here... what can I say, one month was clearly not distance enough for writing this review...
Ezra was incredibly kind and respectful love interest and I was really into that. Although
I will try to not go into too many details in the review, because if you look at my updates, I updated about every three pages, so... if you want more details you could just read through those...
I recently read [b:Pumpkinheads|40864790|Pumpkinheads|Rainbow Rowell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1537541596l/40864790._SX50_.jpg|42907220] which Hicks illustrated. And while I didn't care for the story-line of Pumpkinheads I really did like the art... No shade to [a:Rainbow Rowell|4208569|Rainbow Rowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1652825664p2/4208569.jpg] intended here, I love some of her books, but the story here is so much better than in Pumpkinheads and...! I'm just so happy with this little story and I want more of the characters!
Okay, so what do we have here... a female hockey-enthusiast & player protagonist Alix with anger issues. Bisexual love interest theater kid with a queer clique and some issues of his own, though I think I'm going to leave those secret. As a bisexual, I really appreciated the bisexual portrayal here and I liked the role it played in the plot. (Also, just remembered now Ezra, actually doesn't use any label and is vocal about not wanting to use any label, so sorry for labeling him...)
Also, she is a little taller than him (and also way more buff) and I loved that! Honestly, the amazing bisexual thing happened to me here, where I had sort of crush on both of them and... living my best life! I really love how both of them were drawn - I would pick Alix if I had to, but... ugh... they were so cute! And the romance was great! And... oh, I can see we are returning to the gushing here... what can I say, one month was clearly not distance enough for writing this review...
Ezra was incredibly kind and respectful love interest and I was really into that. Although
Spoiler
I did wish that he asked if he could kiss her, before kissing her for the first time, knowing that she had no prior experience. He asks her the second time though, which makes me feel kind of complicated...
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really loved this! I like that Alix and Ezra are total opposites and are passionate about very different things (hockey, theater) yet that doesn't keep them from becoming friends (and more!). Alix is definitely a loner due in part to the bullying she experiences and how that's shaped her self image. Ezra has also been bullied (and still is) but he's found a way to clap back without losing his temper. As the story unfolds, I became more and more impressed by these characters and the things they've had to deal with. There's family troubles, friend drama, and more. As more problems arise, Alix and Ezra have to put what they've learned about managing conflicts and relationships into practice. Sometimes there are missteps, but I love how hard they work to be honest and communicate their needs. Drama aside, there's so much about this graphic novel that's simply fun and a joy to read! I loved all the skating and hockey montages, the theater kids joking around and making props, and the adorable romance between Alix and Ezra. Sweet, empowering, and full of heart.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
On its face the book seems cute and lighthearted. But you quickly realize that the issues the characters are dealing with run much deeper. I was especially surprised by the adults in the book. Perhaps a realistic reflection of experience for some, all the adults failed the children of the series in some way. Some adults even acted pretty terribly towards our main characters. I did really love Ezra though—he was fun and wonderfully comfortable with himself in an admirable way. Alix also grew beautifully. I only wish the story lasted a bit longer to show us how they grew into their own!