Title: Brownstone

Author: Samuel Teer (Illustrated by Mar Julia)

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Copyright Date: 2024

Reading Level: ATOS 2.6

Interest Level (Age): 11-15

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Synopsis:

Soon-to-be fifteen year old Almudena's life with her mother isn't perfect, but it's what she calls "family". Though life with her single mother is good, she has always wondered who her father really is, since she's never met him. All she knows is that he's "kind," which isn't much to go on, and that's frustrating. Feelings of curiosity and angst mix together when Alumdena's mother ships her off for the summer to stay with her father, Xavier. Wait hold the phone, her estranged dad has a brownstone building and he's expecting her to help fix it?She can't even understand his rapid fire Spanish, let alone why he wants her help! Despite this hesitancy, Almudena discovers more about her Guatemalan heritage over the summer and grows closer to both her father and her Latin American neighbors. Will she leave her newfound family behind when summer ends?

Personal Reaction:

Samuel Teer and Mar Julia's collaborative novel Brownstone (2024) was a delightful glimpse into the struggles and motivations of a Guatemalan-American teenager. I absolutely loved how the author and illustrator's showcased raw emotions and experiences in each cell, beginning with Almudena's judgement and disapproval of her summer plans. I completely understood Almudena's frustration at being cast away from her mother for an entire summer, especially since she couldn't relate to her father in the slightest. Any teenager that has struggled with the idea of their split family and familial abandonment issues would rightfully feel that being sent to their unknown relatives is like being left to swim in open ocean with no life preserver. I've certainly felt that way with distant family that I know nothing about. These "family members" were only present when someone close to me died, so what right did they have to suddenly care about me? They didn't even know me. I sensed that Almudena shared these same feelings of resentment.

As the story unfolded, I was concerned about the parenting choice made by Almudena's mother. I disagreed with the mother's choice of shipping Almudena off to live with Xavier for the summer since Xavier was borderline a complete stranger at that point. This decision came across as unhealthy to me, even if Almudena's mother wanted to pursue her dancing career in Europe. As an adult with a passion, I can understand why Almudena's mother did what she did, but I can't overlook the blatant disregard for Almudena's mental health. This part of the novel got me thinking about what it's like to live in a split family, whether because of divorce or other circumstances. I thought that Almudena had every right to be hyper critical of her mother's plan since her mother is her only lifeline to whatever a "family," really is. 

When Almudena met Xavier and breached the threshold of the brownstone, a great sense of change washed over me and, at that moment, I knew that Almudena was in for an emotionally difficult summer. Despite the difficulty, I really liked the symbolism associated with the brownstone's sheet rock walls coming down, revealing the foundations underneath. I think this definitely represented the growing bond between Almudena and Xavier. This bond grew throughout the summer just as the brownstone, soon to be apartment building, did. Teer's symbolic choice made me happy because it showcased that split family relationships take an immense amount of work to transition from unstable to solid, which is a realistic perspective that young-adult fiction needs more of. 

All throughout the novel, I sensed Almudena's oscillating relationship with her cultural heritage. Though she seemed open to the changes, she also seemed reluctant seemingly as a self preservation mechanism. This teetering perspective got me thinking about the experiences of kids in mixed families. Undoubtedly, many American teenagers with mixed family heritages feel a strong sense of difference alongside a call to their origins. Almudena's sense of identity struggled in just this way when she first set foot in the brownstone, and I couldn't blame her. I could only imagine the sense of embarrassment and shame that Almudena must have felt at approaching her newfound heritage with the eyes of a newborn. So, as her comfort zone increased as the months went by, I felt a strong sense of admiration for Almudena's self-acceptance journey.

In my final thoughts, I loved how Almudena's story tangentially aided the lives of her LGBT+ neighbors. Too often are teenagers exposed to influences that villainize or shame LGBT+ individuals, so the fact that Almudena was receptive to Queralt and Beto's sexualities was a breath of fresh air for me. I'm glad that post-modern literature is incorporating such positive representations of LGBT+ individuals, as well as their social reception. Despite the darker topics of judgement and fear of outing, I think that the novel did an excellent job at showcasing what the modern teenager thinks about gender and sexual orientations. Alongside this acceptance, a minor aspect of the ending made me happy as well: the quinceañera. I loved the modernization and accommodation that was made to Almudena's party so that she could enjoy it like the rest of her friends and Xavier. With all these wonderful moments in mind, I think that Brownstone was an excellent novelization of the mixed and split family experience from a teenage viewpoint. 

Awards Won: 2025 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, Great Graphic Novels for Teens, Publishers Weekly Best Books, 2025 CBC Best Children's Book of the Year (Selected)

Award Worthiness:  I absolutely agree that this graphic novel deserves the awards it received, and then some! The use of visual symbolism to showcase the breaking down of barriers and walls to create a greater foundation between Almudena and her father was impeccable! Not only was the narrative capable of covering darker topics like sexual orientation guilt, religious expectations, and ethnic discrimination, it was also able to perfectly capture the experience of an estranged family dynamic. So, if anything, I believe that this graphic novel deserves higher commendations since the topics it covers are transcendental in quality!

Recommendation: 

Brownstone is undeniably one of those reads that I recommend for those interested in cross-generational understanding and cultural identity. Based on the inherent textual elements, as well as the subject content, I highly suggest that children around the ages of 11 to 15 read this book. Of course, younger children may gravitate towards the content as well, but I suggest older children indulge in this novel due to the deeper conversations on sexuality, religion, cultural identity, and split families. So, if younger kids are interested, I suggest reading with a parent/guardian. As for adults, I certainly suggest reading through this charming graphic novel to look through the eyes of a culturally mixed teenager as she traverses the world's more intricate social issues.

I make this recommendation because of the inherent quality of the text and artistic interpretations that this novel offers! The overall quality of the novel is high due in great part to the well-paced and stimulating plot that Teer orchestrated. An unlikely pair coming together to solve a problem is a plotline that may seem simplistic, but Teer utilized this literary tool in a way that highlighted beautifully human idiosyncracies. Teer's use of setting was also noteworthy since Almudena's transition from her comforting home to the decrepit, old building was symbolic of Almudena's soon to be altered perspective of her father. The brownstone itself was a metaphor for not judging a book by its cover, as well as symbolic for how good living conditions take hard work (in just the same way that Almudena's relationship with her father was going to take work.) Working within this unique setting were Teer's excellent characters who were dripping with personality due to Mar Julia's illustrations. 

As a reformed socially awkward teenager myself, I personally believe that Almudena is a love-letter to the modern teenager due to her angsty, awkward, caring, and sensitive nature. The more intricate lives of Queralt, Beto, Xavier, and Idola all contribute to the inherent authenticity of the novel's storyline, as well. Teer utilized first person (limited) to give us the uncut experience of Almudena as she learned to accept her new life and social status. This choice of perspective was an excellent way to bridge the gap between the audience's viewing of Almudena's life with how Almudena saw her situation. We, as the audience, are viewing cut outs of Almudena's life as her internal conflict unfolds, so the use of the first person reminds the audience that we are looking through Almudena's eyes (not the other way around). Ultimately, the novel wrapped up with the theme that who we are and who we want to be is entirely up to us, no matter where we are from. This theme of controlled self-identity is the greatest contribution this novel has to its overall societal value! Teer and Julia's Brownstone gives us, the audience, a glimpse into the mind and experiences of a mixed teenager with a split family, and for that the graphic novel is highly valuable and should most definitely be read by as many people as possible!

Possible Discussion Topics:

1) Do you think Almudena's reaction to her summer with her dad was justified? Why or why not?

2) What, if anything, can American society do to bridge cultural gaps between its citizens? 

3) What would you have done if you were Almudena's mother? Explain.

4) How would this story have been different if it was told from Xavier's perspective?

Title: The Magic Fish

Author: Trung Le Ngyuen

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Copyright Date: 2020

Reading Level: ATOS 3.0

Interest Level (Age): 13-17

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Synopsis: As a second generation Vietnamese-American teenager who is struggling with the idea of coming out to his parents, there is a lot on Tiến Phong's mind. How can he be sure that his friend Julian is gay or not? Will he ruin his friendship if he comes out? Will he ruin his relationship with his parents if he comes out? Despite Tiến's social and mental struggles, he spends quality time reading fairytales with his mother, Hien, as she is improving her English speaking abilities. As the stories pass by, Hien notices a growing divide between her and Tiến since she senses Tiến's holding something back. This divide seemingly widens with the news of Tiến's mother traveling to Vietnam for his grandmother's funeral. Will the simmering tension between Tiến and his parents be culled through words on the page, or in real life?

Personal Reaction:

Trung Le Nguyen's The Magic Fish (2020) was a relaxing yet artistically breathtaking approach to the slice-of-life genre. Nguyen's ability to showcase traumatic experiences alongside day-to-day delights was what sold me on calling this novel good. From the very beginning, I thought it was an excellent show of character that Tiến wanted to help his mother improve her English. The dynamic between Tiến and his mother made me think about how, in reality, there are various parent-to-child dynamics, especially for ESL/EFL/ESOL/ELL parents with primarily/exclusively English speaking children. The teaching dynamic that was shown throughout the novel was a pleasant surprise for me, since it shows how parents can learn from their kids in just the same way that their kids do. I think that it's crucial to represent these mutually beneficial, or teaching, dynamics between teenagers and their parents since it can potentially foster collaboration, understanding, and humility between generations that often clash. So, the fact that Nguyen incorporated this positive dynamic between Tiến and his mother (as well as his father, briefly) was a wonderful way to set off the development of the story. 

Though the story mainly surrounds Tiến's self identity struggles, I think that it was particularly striking to see the revelations about Tiến's mother's past traumatic experiences through the fairytale narratives that the two shared. The small glimpses into Tiến's mother's mind as she was fleeing Vietnam were emotionally unsettling, in a good way. Including sections like these in a young-adult centered novel is a great way to remind readers that parents are people too, with plenty of experiences that are both good and bad. I feel like though there are palpable divides between parents and their children, there is room in literature for increasing children's understanding of their parents as being people, rather than an idol incapable of mistakes, flaws, or failures. This is why I loved how Nguyen humanized Tiến's mother throughout the novel, despite the fantastical stories that fill the literary gaps.

Something else that was brought to my attention with the inclusion of Tiến's mom's social and emotional struggles was the sacrifices that parents make for their children, especially those that place parents and their children in foreign countries. The choice that Tiến's mom and dad made was emotionally constricting, and I can only imagine how difficult it was to leave family behind. These choices also got me thinking about the latent/emergent feelings that Tiến might have been feeling as a subtext. I know that many first and second generation children struggle with deep feelings and senses ranging from duty, guilt, sadness, anxiety, anger, and still others. Teenagers are already experiencing strong emotions and physical changes that may heighten the effects of these social burdens. I can only imagine the pressures that first and second generation teenagers feel as they deal with new experiences, both serious and trivial in quality. So, I think that both Tiến's mom and Tiến, himself, handled the pressures of sacrifice fairly well given the circumstance, which made me like these characters even more.

There was a portion of the novel that hit home particularly hard for me as a daughter. When Tiến's mother was counceling herself through her life choices while on the trip to Vietnam, I felt an immense connection with her. Hien's self doubt and borderline beratement reminded me much of myself. I sometimes find myself drifting off to the thought of leaving my parents to fend for themselves. I imagine a world where I could take care of me and me alone, and what bliss that world might be. But, I drag myself back down to reality and I then find myself judging and berating myself in the same way that Hien did. I question whether or not I am a good daughter for even thinking about leaving (shocking I know.) Though emotionally distressing, I think this is yet again another example of humanizing parents for the teenage audience, which I champion. 

There was a part in the story that was especially emotionally grueling for me: the counseling moment with Father Niles. I absolutely hated that Tiến's teacher outed him to Father Niles and then put him through an unknown experience in regards to his sexuality. I despise that people view homosexuality as something in need of fixing, remediation, or reversal. I especially disagree with school's that peddle this sort of nonsense, religious or otherwise. I think that including experiences like this in an LGBT+ focused novel was both relevant and important however, despite my disapproval of the actions in the novel. In my view, it's important not to shield young-adults from the harshness of reality, but rather frame the harshness in a way that forges dialogues and conversations based on curiosity, understanding, and open-mindedness. So, it should come as no surprise that I got so frustrated by this section. 

Despite the outing and the traumatic experiences, I thought that the ending was artfully portrayed and potentially true to life. It was a powerful reminder that our preconceptions of people aren't always true, even if they are founded on self-preservation. I also think that Nguyen's utilization of the fairytales as a way to bridge the gap between Tiến and his mother was a brilliant way to model healthy changes in relationships. Teenagers need to know that their parents accept and love them no matter what. Even if achieving this task is a struggle, like in Hien's case with the language barrier, it is still worth trying to bridge that gap due to the potentially beautiful results. So, overall, I firmly believe that Nguyen's graphic novel was a shining example of how to build and maintain healthy connections between family members, and potentially, other members of society. 

Awards Won: Harvey Award (Best YA Novel and Book of the Year in 2021), WINNER 2021 International Literacy Association, 2021 ALA Rainbow Project Bibliography (Selected), 2021 ALSC Notable Children’s Books (Selected), 2021 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year (Selected), 2020 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book (Selected), 2021 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices (Selected), 2021 Notable Books for a Global Society Award (Selected), 2022 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award for Young Adult Fiction (Finalist). 

Award Worthiness: 

Due to its distinct ability to cover immensely deep emotional experiences through a light-hearted lens, I think that Trung Le Nguyen's The Magic Fish (2020) is a superb model for LGBT+ based literature and, as such, it rightfully deserves the awards it has been presented. Though not surrounding the life and thoughts of Tiến solely, I think that Nguyen's graphic novel expands on the slice-of-life graphic novel genre in a way that brings generations together. Because of this gap bridging quality, I feel like The Magic Fish is due for some more recognition. 

Recommendation:

Nguyen's The Magic Fish (2020) is an excellent resource for young-adults and adults alike that are drawn to compelling LGBT+ narratives. I highly recommend that teenagers around 13 to 17 engage with the content of this book, since the the novel requires higher analytical skills to draw forth the deep concepts from both the subtext and the art combined. Children under the age of 13 may need parental or guardian guidance to comprehend the depth of the presented issues (i.e. refugee status, emigration, coming out, etc.). In the case of the adult audience, I highly suggest that adults partake in this novel to garner a greater appreciation and understanding of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

This recommendation is of course supported by the good quality of the graphic novel itself! Nguyen's novel expertly crafted a realistic narrative that is well-paced and insightful. The plot in question is believable due to its generally laid-back nature as well as its tangible conflicts. What worked in the novel's favor was the lack of outlandish setbacks that would potentially tarnish the believability of Tiến's or Hien's character development. In regards to the characters, this is the one major literary setback that keeps the description of this graphic novel from being nominal. There was a palpable lack of body or depth granted to the characters, aside from Tiến and Hien. Granted, this could have been due to the length of the novel, but it is worth noting that the characters are where the novel seems to deafen a small bit. Credit where credit is due: Tiến and Hien (the main characters) do develop a closer bond and resolve their relationship conflict as the story rounds off. Both of their perspectives changed, which I think is definitely worth noting. 

The setting of the novel overall is another literary aspect that contributes to the novel's good quality. I think that the shifts between the real world and the fairytale setting are excellent symbolic acts. These shifts in setting show how far Tiến and Hien have both gone to bridge the gap of understanding. Speaking of Tiến and Hien, I want to touch on Nguyen's choice of perspective shifts between Tiến and Hien. The shifts in perspective highlight the parallel issues that Tiến and Hien are facing, as well as the similarities that exist between the two characters despite their perceived social conflicts. It's worth noting here too that both Tiến and Hien relate to the female heroine's in the fairytales they read, which I think was an artistic way of drawing both characters together. As a result of these stylistic choices, Nguyen's novel ultimately forms this central theme: We are all connected to one another, even if we don't think we can be. This theme of course being what the book offers in regards to its value! To speak more specifically, the graphic novel offers its audience a valuable cozy vehicle for enhancing acceptance, understanding trauma, and reducing generational gaps. 

Possible Discussion Topics:

1) How do you think you would have reacted to being outed like Tiến? 

2) What, if anything, could be done to help support LGBT+ teenagers in today's world? 

3) What would you have done if you were in Hien's shoes? 

Title: New Kid

Author(s):  Jerry Craft

Publisher:  HarperCollins Publishers

Copyright Date: 2019

Reading Level:  ATOS 2.9

Interest Level (Age): 11-14

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Synopsis: Life is tough for a middle schooler, and twelve-year-old Jordan Banks knows that. Having started a new year in middle school as yet another new kid at Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD, for short), Jordan feels that RAD is way out of his depth. The school's prestige, noticeable lack of student diversity, and the fact that it wasn't the art school he wanted to go to are all issues Jordan notices while attending RAD. But, despite the negativity, Jordan finds friends in this unlikely place and learns that he can have the best of both of his worlds: Washington Heights and Riverdale.

Personal Reaction: 

Jerry Craft's The New Kid (2019) was not only a bird's eye view into the life and struggle of a middle school boy, but also a social commentary on diversity and inclusivity in America; and for those two qualities, I absolutely loved this graphic novel from the first panel and onwards. Jordan Banks, a twelve-year-old from Washington Heights, is incredibly relatable and I found myself connecting with him early on in the story due to his dread of school. Having hopped around schools of different socioeconomic status as a kid, I completely understand the dread of acquiring the "new kid" title and all that it means. What was lucky for me was that I hopped around elementary schools, not middle school. Because middle schools are notoriously dog-eat-dog environments, I completely understood why Jordan harbored so much dread for the first day of school at RAD. Even if Jordan was in his head about the experience, it's still a keystone moment for kids and young adults alike. I think that including this sense of anxiety or fear gives the intended younger audience permission to feel anxious about new experiences. In other words, it allows them to feel seen and understood, which I think is crucial.

Another aspect early on in the novel that I think was a crucial detail to include was how Jordan's mother, Ellice, was desperately pushing for Jordan to attend RAD in place of art school. While I felt like Jordan's mom's heart was in the right place in regards to Jordan's future opportunities, I think that she completely missed the point that Jordan needs to be the one to decide his future, not her. I believe the reason that this detail struck me so deeply is that I understand there is an ever present contention between parents and their young adult children. Parents try to provide the best for their children, no matter what their circumstance is, which is admirable. But, I think that sometimes parents become lost in their desires for familial success and tend to forget that their children have their own aspirations and opinions. So, when Jordan expressed that he wanted to go to art school and his mother routinely said a resolute "No", I felt conflicted. While I, as an adult, can see and rationalize why Jordan's mother intervened as she did, I can also size myself down to Jordan's shoes and see how crushing it is to not feel like your dreams are supported. So, while I may disagree with the feelings that Jordan felt, I can understand where Ellice was coming from. 

Though it's a may be small aspect of the novel to some, I want to also express my happiness with, and appreciation for, the comedic aspects of the graphic novel. I love how hilarious Jordan and his friends are throughout the school year. I especially love the cuts to Jordan's sketchbook where we, the audience, catch a glimpse of Jordan's inner feelings and thoughts. I think it's crucial to lace, if not rely heavily on, humor elements for young adult slice-of-life graphic novels, if not to maintain audience attention, but to mirror real life! The novel portrays racial prejudice and systemic discrimination as simultaneously laughable and serious, which definitely mirrors present day experiences for the audience. I also believe it implores the audience to have a balanced perspective on life's struggles, viewing them from both a critical and comedic standpoint. 

Speaking of systemic discrimination and racial prejudice, the graphic novel portrays both sides of these issues. Where Jordan feels isolated at the beginning of school, he also feels a sense of refuge when he learns of other people of color in his classes. I want to briefly talk about the way that Jerry Craft portrays racial discrimination and how it makes the recipient feel. Craft expertly showcased what the experience of being demeaned for your behaviors and race looks like when he showcased Maury's "Maury-o" bullying moment. Jordan, knowing what the derogatory term "oreo" means, understood the gravity of Maury's bullying situation. I think that Craft's inclusion of this deeply rooted issue is crucial for the intended audience to understand the weight of their words, and the cost of spreading hatred. I, for one, grew more and more vexed at the inclusion of such nasty, hateful things as I read through the novel. But, I knew that it was crucial to enlighten readers with accurate representations of victim-hood. 

Reading this story as a white person with privilege was an immensely eye opening experience for a plethora of reasons. One that was particularly strong was to see what it is like being a pre-teen person of color in a privileged situation. And I will not lie, it was shocking to see how Jordan had a behavior system in place while on his bus rides. Though I understood why he felt the need to do so, I was still shocked that it happened. Despite my shock, I think that this is a direct reflection on how our society places immense pressure on young adult people of color. It made me wonder how physically and psychically draining it was for Jordan, and real pre-teens alike. I've never had the feeling that I had to act civilized or privileged to avoid trouble before, and I can only imagine how tiring it is. This got me thinking about how many other pre-teens, teens, and even adults, feel this intense social compulsion. And the fact that the number I pulled up off the top of my head is incredibly high is disheartening to say the least. But, as a final thought, I will say that I rejoiced when Jordan's dual realities were able to meld together and he could be fully himself. I wish that for any and all who experience backlash for their being. 

Awards Won: John Newbery Medal (2020), Coretta Scott King Award (2020), 2019 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature, Finalist for Audie Award – Middle Grade Book of the Year, New England Independent Booksellers Association Best Children’s Book of 2019, New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association 2019 Book of the Year for Middle Readers, 2019 Harvey Award for Best Children’s Book Nominee, #1 Indie Comics & Graphic Works Bestseller, 2020 Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children – Honor Book, 

Award Worthiness: Jerry Craft's The New Kid (2019) is an unapologetically honest and incredibly humorous graphic novel that entirely deserves its weight in literary and academic awards. Craft's novel seamlessly incorporates real-life issues among more comedic moments that align with the intended audience, all to explicate the realities of pre-teen people of color in the United States. 

Recommendation:

While the ATOS level suggests that this graphic novel is intended for younger audience members (around 7 to 8), I firmly believe that pre-teens and teens around the ages of 11 to 14 will draw significant connections with Craft's protagonist's conflicts and humor. I do suggest that younger children stray away from this piece, due largely to the fact that the graphic novel highlights the humorous aspects of systemic issues which could easily be misinterpreted or misunderstood by younger generations. So, if a younger child is interested in this graphic novel, I highly suggest parental or guardian guidance. As for the adult audience, I see no reason not to indulge in the witty banter and social commentary that Jerry Craft's The New Kid (2019) offers its audience! After all, older audiences should be incentivized to take part in the media of the next generation in order to bridge generational gaps and improve social understanding!

I base this recommendation on Craft's graphic novel's overall quality, which is immensely high. The graphic novel itself is well written and it resolved central plot points without establishing cliff hangers. The plot contributes the most to the graphic novel's outstanding quality, due greatly to the fact that the plot itself is believable, entertaining, and well structured. The graphic novel didn't stray from Jordan's conflict sources, but rather transformed them to signify Jordan's, as well as other characters', growth! This demonstrated growth took place in what seemed like an outlandish setting, but one that makes sense to those that have experienced differences in privilege. RAD was made out to be this unapologetically rich and privileged bastion, when in fact it struggled with the same conflicts as any other school. Not only was this setting choice relevant to the intended audience, it was also crucial for demonstrating the systemic issues that the main character faced. As for characters, Craft artfully demonstrates an interesting spectrum of middle school pre-teens, all of which experience their own form of personal growth. Jordan, for instance, learned to hold a balanced social perspective and that there is always a place for him. Not so much a character note, but more a style note: I think it was an excellent choice to use and manuever language and colloquialisms to reclaim racial prejudices and biases. After all, one of the biggest themes that this graphic novel offers the audience is to never judge a book by its cover. So, with all this in mind, I highly recommend taking a short trip through Jordan Bank's middle school experience when time allows.  

Possible Discussion Topics:

1) Should young adult books show systemic issues like racial discrimination? Why or why not?

2) Of all the characters, who did you connect with the most? Was it Drew, Jordan, Alexandra? Why?

3) Have you or a loved one ever been the victim of bullying? What was the experience like?

4) Should there be more young adult graphic novels depicting systemic issues like racial or gender discrimination?

Title: Northranger

Author(s): Rey Terciero & Bre Indigo

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Copyright Date: 2023

Reading Level: ATOS 2.7

Interest Level (Age): 14-17

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Synopsis: "Fitting in" isn't really one of sixteen year old Cade's strong suits, and he knows it. Growing up in Abilene, Texas with his family certainly isn't easy for him either, given that they aren't swimming in money and they don't know he's gay just yet. After learning of his conscription with his step-father for a summer job at the Tyler Ranch, Cade dreads leaving Abilene and breaching the unknown. Then, things start to make a lot more sense when he meets the ranch owner's son: Henry. Henry likes the same horror movies that Cade is infatuated with, and maybe likes Cade too? But Cade has no way of knowing unless he takes a chance. Will this budding relationship work out, and what are the consequences? Cade doesn't know just yet, but he knows he'll find out sooner or later. 

Personal Reaction:

Rey Terciero's Northranger (2023) was a lightly heart wrenching narrative that brought forth thoughts and memories about growing into my self identity, and I loved all of the sad and happy moments laced throughout it. From the moment that Cade was introduced, I felt a sense of kinship with him when it comes to feeling like an outcast or a stranger in your own town. In just the same way that Cade attached himself to scary cinema to escape and make sense of himself, I found myself attached to mystery literature and video games. The sense of escapism that the liberal arts offers is unique to each of us, but unifies us all in our effors to find a sense of identity and preferred reality. Cade feeling at home in scary movies due to his sexual identity in a particularly conservative state is one that I share as well, since my personal journey with my sexuality is one that I find myself having to unravel and find clues to solve (much like a  what I do when I read a mystery book). So, I definitely understood and sympathized with Cade's experience in the closet, and felt torn about his closet experience as the story progressed.

One point that was particularly striking to me was when Cade's stepfather used homophobic language around Cade. I wasn't a fan of this "parenting" tactic, let alone the hatred that it perpetuated. As for the language itself, I understand why it was incorporated by the author, but I still felt sick when Cade had to experience it. The look of stress and duress that splashed on Cade's face tugged deeply on my queer heart, and acted as a reminder that not all parents are as accepting as my own. This got me thinking about the range of experiences that LGBT+ kids endure throughout their self-identification process. The sheer fear that I felt in telling my parents (granted they were supportive) can't even compare to the devastating anxiety some teenagers have at just the thought of revealing their sexuality or gender to their parent(s) or guardian(s). I began to worry about the trauma that these teenagers and kids experienced, and if they had resources to understand their trauma. Luckily, they have literature like this graphic novel that highlights both reality as it is and the reality we can forge ourselves. 

When Cade met the Tyler family, I couldn't help but shout out to the heavens in appreciation when I learned that Henri, Henry's twin sister, was not homophobic. Being able to find like minded individuals in a strange and unlikely place is a blessing, and I was so happy that Cade was able to do so. I was also glad that there was inclusive representation because it so often happens that southern states, including Texas, are offered only a blanket descriptor for their tolerance level. Not all who live in a state are subject to the beliefs or morals of a group of people, and I'm glad that the graphic novel explored that. It's definitely helpful to include this in the graphic novel as well because it's a present reminder that there are those in the world that will accept and love LGBT+ teens as they are, without reprimand or reproach. 

After Cade was ousted from the Tyler Ranch due to his connection to Henry's "wanting to come out", I was desperate for Cade to find some form of solace. Luckily, my hopes were met when Cade's grandmother was supportive of Cade, in her own way. Despite her memory issues, Cade's grandmother expressed her love and support for Cade being himself as he is a good person. I cannot tell how much I wish that all teenagers had this same bond with their grand parents. LGBT+ children and teens deserve to have role models, especially of elderly age, that understand, support, see, and approve of them. Not to get too soap-boxy here but I want to share that I think that more homophobic people need to read literature akin to this graphic novel if they want to understand the issues, fears, and motivations of LGBT+ individuals. After all, to better understand anything, whether its a fundamental difference or an issue, one needs to do research and gather necessary data. Soap box aside, I truly did love how open and honest Cade's abuela was in Cade's time of need. More moments like these definitely need to occur in this day and age. 

As the graphic novel drew to a close, I couldn't help my stream of consciousness from stating, "That's it? That's the ending?" Upon reflection, I think the ending where Henry and Cade dust themselves off and get back on the saddle was a beautiful metaphor for coming back from the bottom/pit and continuing on in the pursuit of happiness and love. Where I was expecting an everyone is happy and understanding ending, I got the more realistic approach to the graphic novel's closure. And for that, I am grateful. After all, it would be irresponsible to assume that all LGBT+ slice-of-life graphic novels, or books, have a clean cut, fairytale ending where everyone lives happily ever after. Reality sings a different tune. Not everyone ends up happy, and not everyone is even present for the ending (as people get sick and pass away just as easily). This is an extremely valuable lesson for the intended teenage audience, as it teaches the audience that reality is not perfect, but you can make it as perfect as you can for yourself. And for that valuable lesson, I suggest taking a short trip through this novel and seeing what life is like for an LGBT+ teen in rural Texas. One might be surprised. 

Awards Won: Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Commended, 2024), Librarian Favorites Award (Selection, 2024), Rainbow List: Top Ten LGBTQ Books for Children and Teens (Commended, 2024), Teacher Favorites Award (Selection, 2024), 2023 Harvey Award for Best Children’s or Young Adult Book (Nominated), 35th Annual GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology (Nominated), Honor Book for 2024 Whippoorwill Award

Award Worthiness: 

I entirely believe that this graphic novel is deserving of the its praise and then some. The way that the author artfully expresses deeply running social issues relating to LGBT+ individuals, women, and mental/physical health while still approaching the narrative as a light hearted romance is a difficult task that deserves recognition since it was executed well. For the time allotted, I feel like the novel did an excellent job of condensing down issues into a believable timeline.

Recommendation:

For this graphic novel specifically, I highly recommend that teens between the ages of 14 and 17 read through this book. I suggest this age grouping specifically due to the general interest involved as well as the deeper subject content that requires social analysis and evaluation skills. Younger readers may be interested in this book, but as always, I suggest a parent or guardian provide guidance in selecting and reading this novel due to the issues it presents. These issues include the following: homophobia, misogyny, racism, domestic violence, animal cruelty, and confronting death. As for adults, I suggest reading this graphic novel to gain a firmer grasp on modern LGBT+ teens' societal concerns. 

I provide this recommendation due greatly to the overtly stellar quality of the graphic novel in its entirety. The graphic novel is well written with no unnecessary plot holes or jumbled events. Speaking of the plot in more specific terms, the plot itself bleeds believability due to the relatable setting, understandable conflict, and realistic conclusion. The setting of the graphic novel was particularly great due to the symbolism associated with the Tyler Ranch. Normally synonymous with backwards thinking and fundamentalism, countryside estates and ranches often are given the side eye in relation to topics like inclusivity, diversity, and advocacy. The fact that Cade was sent to a ranch made the audience believe that he would trudge through gross fundamentalism, but it was a delightful surprise that he found more of himself at the ranch than he ever realized. The ranch setting itself symbolizes not judging others by their appearances or beliefs, which I think was expertly done. 

As for the characters on that ranch, I was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing blend of cowboy culture and progressive thinking that Terciero implanted in the Tyler family. These characters, alongside Cade, experienced hefty trials of wisdom and value and surpassed their previous selves, which I commend. As for the perspective, I think Terciero's telling of this story from Cade's perspective gives the audience a proper glimpse into an LGBT+ character's mind. It shows the audience that LGBT+ individuals are just like us, in that they worry, cry, rejoice, and stagnate like anyone else. All of these elements pair together to forward a necessary theme, of course. This theme being shared at the very end of the novel: We can't expect everyone to love us, but we can love ourselves. This is a very powerful theme that definitely solidifies Terciero's work as a foundational piece of LGBT+ fiction, in that it preaches inclusivity and personal acceptance in a world that my always disagree. For all these reasons, I highly recommend reading through this graphic novel. 

Possible Discussion Topics:

1) Can you think of ways to help LGBT+ teens in rural Texas? List some of these ways. 

2) Do you agree with the novel's ending? Why or why not?

3) If you were in Henry's dad's shoes, how would you have acted? Do you think that Henry's dad had the ability to change?

4) Is there a way to counteract the effects of homphobia in today's society? If so, what are some ways? If not, explain your reasoning. 

Title: Heartstopper

Author: Alice Oseman

Publisher: Author (Originally), Hachette Children's Group (2019)

Copyright Date: 2018, 2020

Reading Level: ATOS 2.5

Interest Level (Age): 14-17

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Synopsis: The whole of Truham School knows that fourteen-year-old Charlie Spring is gay, and Charlie doesn't mind. What he does mind is the pushy sexual advances of his not-so-boyfriend, Ben. Having freshly distanced himself from his toxic relationship, Charlie learns of a new vertical group he's required to join at Truham. The vertical group seems mediocre at first, and then he meets sixteen-year-old Nicholas "Nick" Nelson. Charlie beings to fall hard for his "straight" friend as they grow closer as friends both in class and on the rugby team. The friendship seems to be blossoming, and there is something deeper that Charlie can't quite confirm. Does Nicholas like him as just a friend, or as something more? Maybe Charlie will find out or have his heart broken; he's sure one of the two will happen. 

Personal Reaction:

Alice Oseman's Heartstopper (2020) was truly a relaxing and wholesome LGBT+ narrative that renewed my sense of hope for LGBT+ teen culture. I really appreciated the respectful and candid approach that Oseman took in exploring concerning topics like sexual assault and discrimination. I especially loved the non-stereotypical nature of Charlie all throughout the novel, as non-representative characatures of LGBT+ individuals can be exceedingly harmful for the younger audience demographic. So, I loved how Charlie was first introduced as a self-preserving, anxious, and caring young-man, because Charlie's characterization humanizes gay teenage boys. To talk a bit more about Charlie's character and behavior, I completely understood Charlie's anxieties about social interaction, especially in regards to his sexuality and his bullying trauma. While these worries are humanizing, what I think is critical about the inclusion of these spouts of worry is that it highlights that modern LGBT+ teenagers are not untouched by the ever present homophobic undertones that still underline societal norms to this day. I believe it's also important to highlight these issues and represent the anxiety respectfully so that the intended audience can relate or seek comfort in sympathetic experiences. 

Another portion of the graphic novel that was particularly striking for me was the representation of toxic relationships in the case of Ben and Charlie. I was shocked that Ben not only lashed out over text about Charlie's reluctance to contact him, but also at Ben's physical abuse and sexual harassment against Charlie. Teenagers, whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, asexual, or otherwise, shouldn't have to endure such heinous sexual, mental, or physical behavior in regards to relationships. Charlie's experiences got me thinking about how LGBT+ relationships are framed in U.S. society, as well as how the sexual abuse resources available to LGBT+ teens in Texas (specifically) are lackluster at best. While I recognize that resources do exist and are entirely helpful to those in need of them, I couldn't help but think about what life would have been like for Charlie if he had similar experiences in a North Texas school. 

Despite Charlie's negative experiences, it was very cute to see the romance between Charlie and Nicholas bloom over time. I especially appreciated how the romance elements developed slowly after a friendship based on mutual respect was formed. Teenagers these days definitely need positive representations for not only LGBT+ individuals, but healthy relationships. Too often have I seen and heard about relationships between teenagers that were rooted in jealousy, argument, and various forms of abuse. Resources like Heartstopper are essential for educating and demonstrating how healthy relationships take time and are often rooted in friendship, and could potentially counteract the awful seeds of relational abuse. I firmly believe that LGBT+ teenagers, specifically, need resources like this, due in great part to the non-conformist roots that are unintentionally attached to their sexuality and gender orientations. Non-conformist cultures often struggle with lack of concrete social structures that guide individuals towards ethical and moral choices for themselves and others. So, I think it's crucial for LGBT+ fiction and non-fiction to act as lighthouses in the proverbial moral storm! 

As a final comment on the graphic novel, I personally rooted for Nicholas throughout his journey to self-discovery (in regards to his sexuality). I especially loved how Nicholas utilized the resources available to him, i.e. the Web, to make sense of the chaos of emotions and thoughts he was having. Kids not only need the room to identify who they are and what they like, but also need the resources that help facilitate this revelation or series of revelations! I firmly believe that Heartstopper could be that resource for upcoming generations, if given ample opportunities. 

Awards Won: British Book Awards (Nominated, 2020), Waterstones Book of the Year (Nominated, 2022), TikTok Book Awards (2023), Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Commended, 2021), Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (Commended, 2021), Read for Empathy Collections (Selection, 2020), Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2022

Award Worthiness: 

I can say, without a doubt in my mind, that Oseman's Heartstopper is a playful narrative that discusses concerning topics in an approachable way AND is deserving of many accolades. Oseman represents the whimsical wholesomeness of a crush alongside the throes of sexual trauma, which is a difficult task to achieve. For that, I entirely believe that the novel is worthy of commendation. 

Recommendation:

Due to a mixture of general interest level as well as the presence of sexualized content, homphobic language, and other unmentioned sensitive subjects, I recommend that this book be read by young adults ranging from 14 to 17. Younger readers may struggle to comprehend the ramifications of physical and emotional abuse, as well as understand the reasons behind Charlie and Nicholas's sexual preferences. I suggest that younger audiences stay away from this graphic novel mainly due to both the consenting and non-consenting sexual content. As for adults, I suggest reading this graphic novel if the aim is to bridge a gap in understanding between LGBT+ youths and adults, LGBT+ or otherwise. 

I provide this recommendation because, in my estimation, this graphic novel is esteemed and certainly qualifies for commendation. The quality of the graphic novel overall is high due to the convincing pacing that builds up the audience's expectations, rather than lead them astray. For a plot that could easily be jumbled or sidetracked, it was overall a well-paced journey with believable conflicts. While some events may seem outlandish, like the expensive party at the hotel, the plot sustains itself with the down-to-earth interactions of the well-rounded characters. Much like the plot, the setting is entirely relevant to the intended age group, with symbolic connections to the closet-to-out experience. Where school enforces conformity, much like the closet, Nicholas's house invites comfort, much like formally being out. 

Another element that deserves recognition in this evaluation is Oseman's characters! The characters that maneuver their way through the plot's symbolic settings are equally representative of the novel's overtly great quality, all because they feel like real people with real problems to overcome. Charlie wants love, but struggles with anxiety. Nicholas wants to love how his heart wants to, but struggles with expectations. Together, they bring out the best in each other, which is reminiscent of overcoming a conflict. I also want to mention a minor style note that I view as crucial: Oseman's use of texting to forward the narrative. I think this was not only a fantastic way to ground the novel in the present, but also not distract from the realized conversations between the characters. Much like life, there are more details to be shared that can best be conveyed in messages, rather than conversation. With all these elements in mind, the graphic novel succeeds at peddling a crucial theme to the audience: being true to yourself is more important than being "true" to others. This theme contributes to the graphic novel's overall value to society: it offers a different perspective on life that views being true to one's self as the most important thing they can do. For that alone, I give this graphic novel my full recommendation and credit. 

Possible Discussion Topics:

1) In today's social climate, do you think there is anything that adults can do to help LGBT+ teens on the path to self-discovery?

2) What, if anything, can adults do to better educate LGBT+ teens about sexual health and recovery from sexual trauma?