A review by betweentheshelves
Brownstone by Samuel Teer, Marina Julia

emotional hopeful reflective 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

4.5

While her mom goes on a trip for the summer, Almudena is sent to live with her Guatemalan father for the summer–who she has never met. However, when she arrives, she learns they’ll be living in a Brownstone he’s renovating. And he expects her to help. 

As Almudena learns to navigate her new relationship with her dad (who mostly speaks Spanish), she also gets to know the residents of her new neighborhood. Everyone has their own opinions on how Almudena should dress and act according to her Guatemalan heritage. But it’s up to Almudena to decide what she wants that to look like. 
 
Thanks to Versify and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Brownstone to review! You know I always love picking up new graphic novels, and this one definitely caught my eye. The art on the cover looked wonderful, and I knew I was hooked from just that!

I loved the way that this book explores the idea of family and culture through Almudena’s struggle to connect with her dad. During the summer, she is immersed in his Latin American community in New York. She getts to learn new things about herself through her dad and his culture. Their relationship is the core aspect of the story, and I loved how it shaped Almudena by the end.

And the side characters! There’s such a fun cast of characters here, and we get to know quite a few of them. As a reader, you feel immersed in the community along with Almudena, which is helped along with the gorgeous artwork. 

Honestly, Almudena’s story wraps up nicely at the end, but I would definitely read another story about her going back to her dad’s each summer. Getting to see how she grows and the community grows. They are all such a delight to read about.

Definitely add this one to your graphic novel list for the summer! 
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