Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am just going to rip the band aid off: I did not realize that "Apple Crush" was the second graphic novel in a series, and when I did I simply shrugged and kept on reading.
I recognized Lucy Knisley's style from shelving her work prior to the Peapod Farm series, although most of those predecessors were in the young adult graphic novel section and in the general graphic novel section. Although I am enjoying the unofficial start to summer, and spending time in the outdoors whenever possible, I will always and forever yearn for autumn. If you, too, crave that crisp fall air, then "Apple Crush" is for you!
While I do not know the origins of Jen and Andy's blended family, or how they arrived in the farm in the first place, I completely enjoyed picking up where they left off in "Stepping Stones". It did not take to long to see how the two compliment each other, and why the topic of "romance" could strain their sisterly bond. Fortunately, through a life lesson or two, they live to fight another day together...
...or scare the bejesus out of everyone on a haunted hayride.
Jen's home in the countryside beckons me. While some may require dialogue in every, single cell of this graphic novel, I for one treasure the 'stillness' and mindfulness ensured by the scenes where there is nothing but the world in which the story takes place. I can smell the leaves as they are raked into a pile. I can hear the frying of the apple cider donuts. I can taste the everything bagel with cream cheese (with a touch of exhaust from the city right outside my window). I can see the joy that the harvest brings to so many.
These cells, and the way they cause the senses to simmer, will be lingering long after I shelve the book, up until the view outside my window matches Jen's.
As I wait for "Stepping Stones" to arrive in my mail box, as well as other works by Knisley, I will just part this review daydreaming about sweaters, bonfires, the smell of straw, and spending time in a pumpkin patch with the ones I love.
I recognized Lucy Knisley's style from shelving her work prior to the Peapod Farm series, although most of those predecessors were in the young adult graphic novel section and in the general graphic novel section. Although I am enjoying the unofficial start to summer, and spending time in the outdoors whenever possible, I will always and forever yearn for autumn. If you, too, crave that crisp fall air, then "Apple Crush" is for you!
While I do not know the origins of Jen and Andy's blended family, or how they arrived in the farm in the first place, I completely enjoyed picking up where they left off in "Stepping Stones". It did not take to long to see how the two compliment each other, and why the topic of "romance" could strain their sisterly bond. Fortunately, through a life lesson or two, they live to fight another day together...
...or scare the bejesus out of everyone on a haunted hayride.
Jen's home in the countryside beckons me. While some may require dialogue in every, single cell of this graphic novel, I for one treasure the 'stillness' and mindfulness ensured by the scenes where there is nothing but the world in which the story takes place. I can smell the leaves as they are raked into a pile. I can hear the frying of the apple cider donuts. I can taste the everything bagel with cream cheese (with a touch of exhaust from the city right outside my window). I can see the joy that the harvest brings to so many.
These cells, and the way they cause the senses to simmer, will be lingering long after I shelve the book, up until the view outside my window matches Jen's.
As I wait for "Stepping Stones" to arrive in my mail box, as well as other works by Knisley, I will just part this review daydreaming about sweaters, bonfires, the smell of straw, and spending time in a pumpkin patch with the ones I love.
In "Stepping Stones," Jen spent the summer getting used to farm life and her new stepfamily. In "Apple Crush," her world expands a bit: it's fall and she's the new kid in school, and she's got a weekend job at a pumpkin patch. In both worlds, she finds herself alienated by romance, as her stepsister flirts with the pumpkin patch boy and her new classmates tease her for having a friend who's a boy. Jen's frustration and constant refrain of "WE'RE NOT BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND WE'RE JUST FRIENDS" was very relatable and reminded me of experiences I had at that age, and would likely be relatable to anyone who's ever been a preteen on the late bloomer / queer / aromantic spectrums. As in "Stepping Stones," there are no easy answers, just acknowledgement that things are kind of messed up and solace in the support of friends/family.
I love how INTENSELY seasonal these entries have been so far - Stepping Stones was extremely summer and this one is over-the-top autumn. I hope we also get a winter and a spring.
This one felt a little less elegantly simple and more busy/pulled in different directions than "Stepping Stones," but that is also kind of reflective of the seasons.
I love how INTENSELY seasonal these entries have been so far - Stepping Stones was extremely summer and this one is over-the-top autumn. I hope we also get a winter and a spring.
This one felt a little less elegantly simple and more busy/pulled in different directions than "Stepping Stones," but that is also kind of reflective of the seasons.
emotional
funny
fast-paced
lighthearted
reflective
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
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:
Complicated
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes