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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Honestly, I had a hard time with this one. I liked the art, the minor league baseball bits, and the public school resolution. But it was really hard to read through all the transphobia, homophobia, racism, and fatphobia. Set in 2004, this book reminded me why I did NOT come out in high school (I'm a 2007 grad), why I shoved those thoughts and feelings away. I'm not 100% opposed to books having transphobic, homophobic, etc. content, as long as it is thoroughly addressed. I think this book could have done better on that front. Do families like this exist? Yep! So maybe someone will get more out of this than I did. I just... struggled. I also didn't like Cat at all, but she reminded me of people I knew and was friends with in high school. So, true to life? Ick. You couldn't pay me enough to go back to those times.
funny
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. There were some parts that I found boring, but the art style made up for that.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
been on a graphic novel kick lately and did not expect to affect me as much as it did...got to the second half and the waterworks started flowing
Amanda's first kiss was not a memorable one. Actually, the next six kisses weren't memorable either, and Amanda can't figure out why. She wants to find the right guy for her, but finds herself instead just wanting to always be with her best friend, Cat. When family drama creates a mystery for Amanda to solve, her friend Laura helps her begin to investigate. By the end of this mystery, Amanda learns a lot more about her family, and herself.
A great graphic novel about first love!
A great graphic novel about first love!
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
That was excellent. Immaculate. Don't trust anyone who doesn't like this
For a comic book, it touches on quite a lot of relevant topics. I don't know how much can be talked about without spoilers, but it covers faith, gender, sexuality, family, friendship, relationships, honesty... and probably more. Amanda lives in a Catholic family and goes to a Catholic school, has a not-the-best-influence best friend, strict parents, and a third-wheel pity friend. She discovers family secrets that cause problems with everyone around her and ends up getting her into the most trouble even though she just wants answers. A really good story with a hopeful message in the ending for any teens struggling to accept, tell people about, or live with people who are unaccepting of their sexuality. A lot goes on in this book and emotions are dealt with in a very realistic, raw way. You can't help but cringe, especially around Amanda's parents and their lack of acceptance.
My only issue with the book is that it's very hard at times to tell who's talking. There's tons of dialogue bubbles and they don't always lead back to the person who you think should be speaking. Sometimes requires the rereading of some panels to figure things out and even then I sometimes just had to go with it because I really couldn't tell. It doesn't make the plot impossible to follow or anything, it's just really distracting.
My only issue with the book is that it's very hard at times to tell who's talking. There's tons of dialogue bubbles and they don't always lead back to the person who you think should be speaking. Sometimes requires the rereading of some panels to figure things out and even then I sometimes just had to go with it because I really couldn't tell. It doesn't make the plot impossible to follow or anything, it's just really distracting.