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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This story would've been better executed as a warning against trying to organize from outside a community. If you don't know what it's like you can't know what a group needs or what will work. I think it did this somewhat but it wanted to have a happy ending where the white girl halfway across the world has a hand in helping organize a union in China. (Which, like the intro text says, the internet helps tremendously with organizing! But you cannot, or shouldnt, be the lead organizer for a community you're not a part of!) Why is this story from her perspective? Why is this story about her? Does her personal journey in learning about unionizing and privilege take precedent over Raymond's story?
I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh man, I wanted to love this one...I just...ugh...don't. I love Cory Doctorow, graphic novels, empowering girls, gaming, and realistic depictions of teenagers. Something just fell apart in the middle for me.
I LIKED this book. I did not LOVE it. Some things were great: Anda finding confidence through a online game; girls empowering each other; Anda's relationship with her parents; the artwork (gorgeous); and the questions about global society, economics, culture clash, and feminism that the story raises.
That said, I think the story Doctorow wanted to tell would be better served in a more complex story. Now, I know the target audience for this book is clearly middle- and high school-aged girls, and a more complex story might not be as accessible to that aucience. I just felt gaps where I wanted Raymond's experience fleshed-out more, and I would have liked to know more about this group of gamer-girls. The core story was too vague to hold my interest as much as I think the author intended.
I am also not a gamer, and some of the intricacies of the game world were a bit confusing to me. I had to go back a reread a few sections where I missed some key things. Lastly, I got a little annoyed with how much the virtual world of Coursegold seemed just like the real world. Small touches or looks would not register in game they way they do in a graphic novel. I realize it needs to work that way for the story (especially in a graphic novel), but I had to suspend disbelief to make almost the entire story work, and that was annoying.
If I worked in a middle school library, I would definitely purchase this title. I haven't decided yet if I will order it for my HS.
Oh man, I wanted to love this one...I just...ugh...don't. I love Cory Doctorow, graphic novels, empowering girls, gaming, and realistic depictions of teenagers. Something just fell apart in the middle for me.
I LIKED this book. I did not LOVE it. Some things were great: Anda finding confidence through a online game; girls empowering each other; Anda's relationship with her parents; the artwork (gorgeous); and the questions about global society, economics, culture clash, and feminism that the story raises.
That said, I think the story Doctorow wanted to tell would be better served in a more complex story. Now, I know the target audience for this book is clearly middle- and high school-aged girls, and a more complex story might not be as accessible to that aucience. I just felt gaps where I wanted Raymond's experience fleshed-out more, and I would have liked to know more about this group of gamer-girls. The core story was too vague to hold my interest as much as I think the author intended.
I am also not a gamer, and some of the intricacies of the game world were a bit confusing to me. I had to go back a reread a few sections where I missed some key things. Lastly, I got a little annoyed with how much the virtual world of Coursegold seemed just like the real world. Small touches or looks would not register in game they way they do in a graphic novel. I realize it needs to work that way for the story (especially in a graphic novel), but I had to suspend disbelief to make almost the entire story work, and that was annoying.
If I worked in a middle school library, I would definitely purchase this title. I haven't decided yet if I will order it for my HS.
5 out of 5 stars. Best fat rep I've read thus far. Also, just a wholesome story about standing up for what right and being able to relate to others via video games.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Half the appeal of this book for me was the art because it is beautiful, but Corey Doctorow brings up brilliant points throughout. We see how economics in online games change lives in other places and also just how one girl has the power to help make change.
Popsugar Graphic Novel pick
Popsugar Graphic Novel pick
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
From the introductory portion of this graphic novel, we learn that the author intended this story to, at least in part, be about confronting your privilege and elevating the internet's ability to supercharge organizing across lived experiences. While I think some of that was beautifully achieved (both narratively and with the lovely illustrations), I think the narrative tripped over its goals a bit. Particularly in that the end resolution felt a little bit like a white savior narrative despite the character seemingly being confronted by that issue earlier in the story. Overall, I still think this is a fun graphic novel that does a good job of capturing a gamer's dual lives, but the themes didn't land 100% for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, Xenophobia
This book is amazing! I got through it in 2 hours. I love how the main character is a female, and she's not skinny or dressed questionably. This is a great book for girl gamers everywhere!