Reviews

Firebird by Sunmi

peyjturner's review

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sarah_thebooknerd's review

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This is a YA graphic novel that has 2 Asian MCs that are queer. Caroline is a sophomore and is asked to be a tutor to Kim, a senior who has a lot of obligations on her plate. While working with Kim, Caroline and Kim form a friendship and Caroline starts to examine if she is into Kim as more than a friend and what that might mean for her sexuality. Kim is an out lesbian at school but not at home. 

I think the graphics and characters were great but I really feel that the author tackled too many heavy subjects into a book and the ending as a result just felt incomplete. The topics brought up- internal fat shaming, external fat shaming by a parent, financial hardship, fathers not being in the picture, understanding one's sexuality, possible ACE discussion, gender identity discussions and stress from having to care for younger siblings. Because there was so much brought up, none of the subjects were flushed out and given the time they needed to really showcase growth and healing. If this ends up being a series, I will be thrilled and hope that Sunmi adds to the discussions raised but if it stays as just one book I found it to be lacking the depth needed and honestly the healing the kids that are the intended audience need in order to show that healing is necessary from some pretty serious topics. 

alexao's review

challenging emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

baileyvk's review

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-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

4.5

laura_reads_forever's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny

3.0

nolemdaer's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

mezzythedragon's review against another edition

reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

mergs_scribbles's review

3.5

This is a good graphic novel for readers who like the vibes of characters or situations rather than a tumbleweed of plot and drama. The characters kind of just go about their lives, experiencing each other and the situations they find themselves into so this is a pretty chill read.

The only things that fell flat for me was the ending and the text. The ending’s placement felt a little awkward. As for the text, there were times I struggled to read it— mostly when it was in cursive or done in red.

miloblue's review

emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

liblibby's review

reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0