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emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
4.5
It sucks that this book has a dodgy average rating on Goodreads, as judging by the reviews I read a lot of this stems from white reviewers centring themselves and expecting this book to cater to them (this is regarding the Anishinaabemowin in the text, which the authors provide an easily accessible glossary for at the beginning of the book, which was still complained about), and also some adult reviewers perhaps not adjusting their expectations of a children’s graphic novel. I personally had a fantastic time with this book.
Oster’s art was wonderful. I think it was their use of thick lines that really stood out to me; I particularly liked how this was used in the articulation of the animals. The colour palette was a great choice too, comprised of muted earthy tones.
The novel worked really well as a retelling of Alice in Wonderland. My memory of that book is zany adventures strung together by the MC just trying to get home, which is exactly what this story was. LaPensée takes elements of the original, but re-contextualises them from a Native American perspective. For example, the White Rabbit here was Jiibayaabooz, one of the Trickster brothers, and the Queen of Hearts was a coloniser. The Mad Hatter, Flowers and Caterpillar all find their way in, too. This was a super effective way at approaching a retelling, as the story was still recognisable yet made fresh. The variety of whimsical situations Aimée finds themself in keeps the reader interested and entertained, yet the book never loses sight of the overall goal, which is to get Aimée home. One critique I do have of the plot is how Aimée conveniently finds themself exactly where they need to be to make an offering to paayehnsag. I also wish we had been shown how this location fit Jiibayaabooz’s description.
Aimée was a great MC. They start the book isolated and without a lot of self-love and -confidence. Throughout the story, as they are thrust into the role of hero and make new friends, this starts to change. I thought their character development was really great.
I would definitely recommend this read and hope LaPensée and Oster collaborate again!
Oster’s art was wonderful. I think it was their use of thick lines that really stood out to me; I particularly liked how this was used in the articulation of the animals. The colour palette was a great choice too, comprised of muted earthy tones.
The novel worked really well as a retelling of Alice in Wonderland. My memory of that book is zany adventures strung together by the MC just trying to get home, which is exactly what this story was. LaPensée takes elements of the original, but re-contextualises them from a Native American perspective. For example, the White Rabbit here was Jiibayaabooz, one of the Trickster brothers, and the Queen of Hearts was a coloniser. The Mad Hatter, Flowers and Caterpillar all find their way in, too. This was a super effective way at approaching a retelling, as the story was still recognisable yet made fresh. The variety of whimsical situations Aimée finds themself in keeps the reader interested and entertained, yet the book never loses sight of the overall goal, which is to get Aimée home. One critique I do have of the plot is how Aimée conveniently finds themself exactly where they need to be to make an offering to paayehnsag. I also wish we had been shown how this location fit Jiibayaabooz’s description.
Aimée was a great MC. They start the book isolated and without a lot of self-love and -confidence. Throughout the story, as they are thrust into the role of hero and make new friends, this starts to change. I thought their character development was really great.
I would definitely recommend this read and hope LaPensée and Oster collaborate again!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Racism, Bullying, and Transphobia
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Child death, and Death
Moderate: misgendering Minor: drowningjessereadsthings's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
A graphic novel with an extremely interesting concept and really cute art. A bit young writing wise for me, but other than that I really enjoyed this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Bullying, Colonisation, and Racism
ashleycmms's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation, and Transphobia
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