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chellbear's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This middle grade graphic novel was good! I appreciated where the story went and the themes, but I do feel like it moved maybe too quickly. I understand middle grade books are usually shorter than YA and adult offerings but this moved so quickly it was hard to take in what was happening a at some points. I would be very interested in some more information about other missing students and the principle, but overall it was a very quick, enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
jackelz's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
Whit Garcia is the new kid in school. Whit’s father was a photojournalist, where Whit got his love of photography, but he was killed while working in Kabul. Whit’s mother is overprotective and has crippling anxiety about losing him in a fire slash earthquake slash active shooter emergency, understandably.
Whit is thrown into the Yearbook Club because the principal wants him to take more pictures around school. Also in the club are three other kids and their drama-inclined advisor. During their meetings, they uncover a mystery than spans decades — a child has gone missing from each graduating class.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and it’s supernatural elements. Whit is thrown into a new situation that he doesn’t want to be in but he makes the most out of it and finds his place. I loved seeing him use the dark room and develop his own photos; as that was my favorite part of high school. The twins, Hester and Hillary, were really great side characters, and Press came around too.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent
Additional content warnings: missing children, anxiety