Reviews tagging 'Death'

Sheets: Collector's Edition by Brenna Thummler

78 reviews

ruthhelizabeth's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This has been on my to read list for a few years now, so I was really happy to get a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Marjorie is not having the easiest time, even compared to other 13 year old girls. Her mum has passed away and ever since her dad has been like a ghost, floating around their home and family laundromat and barely speaking, leaving Majorie to handle running the business, looking after them all and somehow staying on top of school work. A local ghoul of another type in the shape of a man is hovering, forcing his hostile plans to open a spa in the building Majorie and her family call home by any means necessary. 

Meanwhile, another more literal ghost is trying to grapple with the afterlife. 

I really enjoyed this book. It handled grief and mental health incredibly well, and the artwork is beautiful. I feel it would be a wonderful addition to any middle school or high school library, and would really enrich the lives of anyone who read it, particularly as an age appropriate tool to start conversations and spark empathy. 

As an adult I also really enjoyed reading and will be on the look out for other books by the same author.

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indieandajean's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

3.5

Sheets is a beautifully crafted and deeply reflective graphic novel about death and mourning for a juvenile/ YA audience. There were moments while reading where I teared up from the raw expressiveness of the art, and overall I found the emotional experience very impactful. 

The plot itself is good, showing the weight upon the shoulders of a child who has had to take on the role of a parent after the death of her mother. The juxtaposition of this with the story of a child who has died and is looking for belonging from the beyond is well done, but the real heavy hitter here is the visual element. The art is stunning, I cannot fully explain how perfectly it conveys the emotion and carries the plot forward. 

The plot does drag at times, and until the context of the ghosts arrives in the plot, the story is a bit confusing. Overall, however it is an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to those who are working through loss themselves, and to those looking for a teaching tool for their children (10+) to talk about grief, death, and dying. 



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rachelsread's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was such a simple yet heart-rending story! Two worlds collide when two children, each with their own pasts and complicated unhappy lives, end up meeting by chance. The story was easy to follow and managed to touch on many important everyday emotions and situations without delving too deep into grief or loss. The artwork was beautiful - especially of Nigel's house and the end scene (which I wouldn't describe for fear of giving away a spoiler!). I would definitely recommend this to young children rather than young adults, but it's still a quick and entertaining read no matter your age!

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summermorning's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

Check out Sheets, a captivating middle-grade graphic novel by Brenna Thummler that hits you right in the feels! It deals with deep stuff like trauma and loss, but don't worry, it's balanced with an amazing theme of friendship shining through.

Marjorie Glatt, a 13-year-old girl who lost her mom, faces tough times with resilience while taking charge of her family's laundry business—talk about independence! On the flip side, Mr. Saubertuck is dead set on ruining everything she's worked hard for.

Now, here's where it gets wild—a friendly ghost named Wendell is on a quirky mission to find purpose in the human world, and his ghostly adventures will crack you up. Interestingly, Marjorie's hate list currently has two things tied for first place—laundry and... ghosts. So, what will happen when Wendell and Marjorie finally cross paths?

Sheets handles tough topics impressively, making it a heartwarming read that'll tug at your heartstrings. The author's remarkable talent shines through the storytelling and artwork, leaving me in awe. The illustrations are exquisitely detailed, and the color palette is delightful. What's more, the thoughtfully designed layout enhances the overall reading experience, making it even more enjoyable. It's amazing to learn that this is Brenna Thummler's first solo book—what an incredible debut!

Sheets is not just a fun read; it's a poignant exploration of themes appealing to readers of all ages. Whether you're looking for a meaningful graphic novel, this is a must-add to your reading list.

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giorgiagale's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

it was a really cute story

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sadiaa's review against another edition

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4.5

I needed a break from my usual adult fiction book problems and decided to read a graphic novel  aimed to a younger audience. First of all I liked the illustration style, the ghosts are cute and I loved the overall tone of the comic. 
This novel touches on grief and loneliness in an easy and enjoyable way. Will definitely keep an eye out for more in this series.

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u_0's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-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? Yes

3.75

It wasn't perfect but I really enjoyed the ending and the art was beautiful. Wendell was very lovable : )

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evelynleigh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted sad 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? Yes

3.0


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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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3.5


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