Thursday, November 3, 2011

Anya's Ghost

by Vera Brosgol

Goodreads Summary:
Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn’t kidding about the “Forever” part . . .
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.
Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.
Or so she thinks.
Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya’s Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

My Review:
Again, I am not really a graphic novel reader, but if Neil Gaiman suggests something, I will probably try it out. This book has some funny parts, and I like how Brosgol was able to show the complexities of real high school friendships using Anya and Emily-even though Emily is a ghost. I have a tough time when I don't like the main character that much, though. And I really didn't like Anya. She is mean and self-loathing which makes her tough to root for. However, I did like how the author showed a transformation in her personality.

Smile

by Rainia Telgemeier

Goodreads Summary:
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.
This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book, even though I am not usually a fan of graphic novels. I could connect easily to Raina since I endured lots of work on my teeth-including braces for several years. I like how she used her tooth troubles as a way to describe how she became her own person. Since finding yourself- to use a cliche-is something that most middle school students can relate to, so I believe that many would like this story.