Hey, readers! Even though the weather keeps getting warmer, I still love curling up with a good book and a cup of tea. And if I'm looking for something I can finish in one or two sittings, what could be better than a graphic novel? That's why I'd recommend Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki for a great winter read.
1993. Kimberly is the only Asian student in her all-girls high school. She calls herself "Skim" ironically, even though she's still not completely okay with that. Things start to get complicated after the boyfriend of one of her friends commits suicide, throwing the whole school into disarray -- between the teachers trying to prevent other students from killing themselves and the formation of a new club, Girls Celebrate Life! Amidst all this turmoil, Skim is still trying to figure out the teenage problems of friendship and falling in love.
Skim is one of the best graphic novels I've read in the past few years. Even though not all is subjects are ones that every teen can identify with, its central problem is one we all can relate to -- finding a way to be your true, authentic self. High school is hard enough, and having that added on top of things sure is difficult. Skim captures this struggle with grace and understanding, and the illustrations wonderfully advance the story. (I also loved that the graphic novel didn't hesitate to show Skim as someone who wasn't stick-thin, since a lot of graphic novels only feature a slim-waisted cast of characters.) Skim is definitely a book for older teens, since it deals with some pretty heavy issues, so I'd recommend it to readers 16 and older.
If you decide to read Skim, I really hope you enjoy it, and come meet Mariko Tamaki at TBF 2016!!
Happy Reading!
Elizabeth
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