kaloughl's review
5.0
Oh gosh, it took me a little to warm up to this graphic novel but it was a gorgeous tale and I truly, truly loved it! Mei works with her father at a logging camp in the late 1800s. This graphic novel is great because it has many layers - this history and process of logging, the racism against Chinese immigrants, storytelling and folklore, and the idea that love comes in many forms. The progression of panels moves the story along really nicely and I think is a prime example of how graphic novels can tell a story with few words. A must read for all and would be particularly good in classrooms!
merisaurum's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
brigid_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
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? No
4.75
Touching story, informative and beautifully illustrated.
catfishmaggie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
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? No
5.0
theshenners's review
5.0
a touching tale depicting familial bonds, first love, Chinese American immigrant history, worker solidarity, and the power of faith and fables
mattyb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Violence
mlottermoser's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Chinese immigrants experience in 1880’s logging camp with some folk tale elements.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, and Racism
Minor: Grief and Alcoholism
shannon_mcdrapcho's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nancybeth's review
5.0
I may not remember all the details of this graphic novel in a couple of weeks, but I will remember how it made me feel. I cried for the last 25%. I loved the complexity of emotions and character dynamics. The author handled difficult subject matter - racism, sexism, death, and myth - with such grace. Once I got past the slow start, I was riveted by the changing relationships and complicated experiences. I loved the feel of the community. I didn't always enjoy the art style with its overly simplistic people. I did appreciate the addition of logging explainers and learning about the tools and process. I loved the role of storytelling and myth in Mei's life as she tries to figure out her place in the world. This is a complex middle grade graphic novel that overlaps so many themes while telling a magical, illuminating story.