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Thanks to NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fantastic graphic novel! Set in the early 2000s, this follows a bisexual gamer goth finding her place in the world and hoping new friends will accept her for who she is.
"Mall Goth" is a relatable graphic novel that handles dark themes very well. (TW: Child Grooming)
I appreciate how relationships and friendships evolved awkwardly in the book and Liv grew her own support network. My only complaint was how things moved very quickly and some resolutions were brushed over, but still, it was a very strong graphic novel.
Definitely grabbing this for our YA Graphic section! This would pair nicely with "Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe"--a similar YA chapter book that handles sexuality, awkwardness, and goth/nerd aesthetic well too!
Fantastic graphic novel! Set in the early 2000s, this follows a bisexual gamer goth finding her place in the world and hoping new friends will accept her for who she is.
"Mall Goth" is a relatable graphic novel that handles dark themes very well. (TW: Child Grooming)
I appreciate how relationships and friendships evolved awkwardly in the book and Liv grew her own support network. My only complaint was how things moved very quickly and some resolutions were brushed over, but still, it was a very strong graphic novel.
Definitely grabbing this for our YA Graphic section! This would pair nicely with "Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe"--a similar YA chapter book that handles sexuality, awkwardness, and goth/nerd aesthetic well too!
A beautifully written and illustrated story about self worth, gaming, friendship and the early 2000s.
The illustrations perfectly compliment this story about Liv, a young high school bisexual navigating moving to a new school, new friends and a progressively flirtatious teacher.
I loved how supportive Liv’s mom was, and actually all the adults in this book, minus the teacher were amazing.
The illustrations perfectly compliment this story about Liv, a young high school bisexual navigating moving to a new school, new friends and a progressively flirtatious teacher.
I loved how supportive Liv’s mom was, and actually all the adults in this book, minus the teacher were amazing.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
CW: Child Grooming
This was a sweet story about friendship, and crushes, and challenging family dynamics, as well as a challenging read about child grooming and predatory behaviour. Smart and tactfully written, this was a wonderful read.
4.5 stars
This was a sweet story about friendship, and crushes, and challenging family dynamics, as well as a challenging read about child grooming and predatory behaviour. Smart and tactfully written, this was a wonderful read.
4.5 stars
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
This was such a good, touching read! I was in the same grade during the same years this was set in, so there were quite a few nostalgic nods for me (even if I grew up in a tiny tiny town where the nearest mall was a 2.5-3 hour drive lol). This dealt with the normal heartbreaks and heartaches of your teen years, as well as some tricks and trauma I wasn't expecting, in a very respectful way for our main character Liv. I loved the art, and was so pleased the arc came full colour! I loved this, and can't wait to buy a finished copy in September:D
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-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 really enjoyed this book!! The story it told handled so many different challenges that a teen could be going through in their life. I love that there was a focus on different types of relationships and how Liv dealt with them. Really this is a story to all goths out there and teenage girls struggling with so many changes and challenges when all they want is to be seen as themselves and to have a groups of friends that values that!!
A big thanks to the publisher for the ARC and I’m looking forward to purchasing this one for my shelf !
A big thanks to the publisher for the ARC and I’m looking forward to purchasing this one for my shelf !