Hollow

Plot Summary
Izzy is new to Sleepy Hollow and not impressed by the town's obsession with the headless horseman, their mascot, and local legend. She likes the most famous resident, Vicky Van Tassel of the historical Van Tassel family. Vicky is hard to win over, as she battles her family's expectations to be a Van Tassel spokesperson for all of the town's Halloween activities. Croc shows Izzy around high school and an unexpected discovery bonds them and Vicky together in a fight against supernatural forces. Town history and cursed ancestors guide an investigation into a small town and a big mystery. 

Critical Evaluation

    Sleepy Hollow is the unaccredited protagonist that drew me into this story. As a Halloween lover, the idea of a town being wholly obsessed with the season makes me want to visit. And the season is showcased in the color choices made on every page. Daytime plots play out among splashes of red, orange, and yellow while nighttime story arcs are chilled by blues and greens that fade to black. Individuals are drawn cartoonish in varying levels of details. When it complements the plot the teens are drawn with blushed cheeks or downcast eyes, otherwise their faces more closely resemble a stick figure.
The characters have understandable angst and their development keeps the story interesting. Romantic feelings between the teens add complications to their friendships but never completely overtake the plot. That's the perfect amount of teen romance for me; cheering for reconciliation but not spending too much time on heartbreak. I also appreciate that although queer romance is a feature, the storytellers never felt the need to make it an issue in the story. Parents were supportive without question and there was no pause for a coming out scene or unsupportive character. A stall in the town festival has a booth with the sign "#vintage vibes not values" and this gives a subtle hint to a small but progressive town that does not take notice when two girls start kissing in the street.
There is a sequel coming this summer and I am excited to read it after I finish this project! That is the highest praise I can give young adult and middle grade literature, when I find a series for work but then cannot help but keep going. 

Creative Use for a Library Program

Young Adult Genealogical Deep Dive: Teach young adults to search their family tree for undiscovered tales. Vicky Van Tassel's family history controls her social life AND exposes her to an ancient curse. Encourage teens to follow their own, maybe less exciting, family history through library resources. Imitating the scene where Vicky, Izzy, and Kroc go to the Historical Society to find a trail of Van Tassel deaths encourages a hands-on approach to genealogy.  

Book Talk

  Vicky is town royalty, thanks to her family's involvement in a long-running urban legend. Kindhearted Croc the jock is crushing on Vicky but sidelined to friend status. And Izzy is the new girl, adjusting to a town that revolves around Halloween and the legend of Sleepy Hollow. But what if it is real and the headless horseman has something to say?

Reason for Inclusion

  This is a fun autumnal romp; leaf peeping in the northeast, hot beverage in hand, and fully immersed in a spooky story. While LGBTQ+ representation is an asset to the story, it is a minor character in the lore of Sleepy Hollow. This is a great book to recommend to reluctant readers. 

Potential Challenges and Defense Preparation

  Hollow does not have a history of censorship. However, LGBTQ+ content is one of the most challenged topics and libraries should be prepared to defend this content. There is only implied sexual content when two of the characters wake up in the same bed, but for some that would be offensive enough in a visual medium. The best defense is a strong reconsideration policy.