Rhiannon | Review

Rhiannon
Writer: Kiara Brinkman
Artist: Sean Chiki
First Second: $17.99
Publisher’s rating: 14-18

Rhiannon isn’t like most 12-year-old girls. She lives in a trailer park, where her closest relations are her Aunt Gran, other retired people and a coyote named Loki. She can’t wait for her best friend Kit to return for the summer, but when he’s finally back, there’s something different about him. Their differences escalate when another teen, a purple-haired punk named Elizabeth, joins the trailer park. As Rhia gets to know Elizabeth, she also learns more about herself — and who she wants to be. With a heavy dose of mood swings, miscommunication and music, the book explores how friendships change and grow. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and coming-of-age stories will especially enjoy Rhia’s journey.

The story is sometimes frustrating — many disagreements could be solved with simple communication — but that frustration is relatable for many tweens going through major life changes. The book is a rewarding read which allows nuance and grace for its characters.

Guest review by Mao Reynolds.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews, Young Adult