August 21, 2023
Evoking a teen’s private journal complete with comics, drawings, and 1990s ephemera, Larson (All My Friends) chronicles a year in the life of an artsy 11th grader figuring out who she wants to be. On Jan. 3, 1996, Christine resolves to become “shiny” like her “incandescent” bestie Landry, who is attending a different school for the first time. To be more like Landry, Christine believes she must be more outgoing and find a boyfriend, goals she balances alongside getting her first job, saving for a car, and growing more confident in her writing and art. As her friendship with Landry wanes and new relationships take its place—such as those with film-loving new best friend Paul and a budding romance with the boy next door—Christine is forced to consider whether she wants to continue embodying Landry’s persona or create an identity that’s all her own. Pre-internet cultural references may elude contemporary teens, but specificity of time, place, and character render a vibrant, lived-in narrative. Elaborately designed pencil sketches feature beside cartoon renditions of key players in Christine’s life, crafting an empowering story that hits the right balance of big events and daily minutiae. Ages 14–up. Agent: Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary Management.
Starred review from September 1, 2023
Gr 10 Up-Told in diary format, Be That Way presents themes of friendship, jealousy, and the impact of privilege. It's 1996 and Christine is a high school senior focused on writing for her school's paper and deciding where she should apply to college. Her dad died a few years ago and she's still coping with the changes and grief that accompany losing a parent. Like typical teens, Christine and her gorgeous best friend, Landry, spend time going to parties, concerts, and the mall. Landry is consistently trying to "fix" Christine, whether it's picking her outfits or introducing her to guys, and their relationship begins to break down. After an ugly scene at a big party, they end their friendship. Christine begins to find her own identity as she builds new relationships and focuses on art and her new job at the movie rental store. The epistolary-style text offers an array of teenage experiences and characters for readers to relate to. The illustration evolves on each spread and as Christine progresses through art class, the visuals mirror that, emphasizing the growth of her artistic prowess and development as a person. The charming, conversational tone will engage readers and the mature teenage content (alcohol and marijuana use, sexual references, and language) allows this journal a sense of authenticity. Overall, the roller-coaster of emotions and experiences presented in this semi-autobiographical book will help readers feel less alone during the tumultuous times of young adulthood. VERDICT Readers will devour this quirky, slice-of-life graphic novel.-Angie Jameson
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from September 1, 2023
A '90s teenager pours her heart out in style. Sixteen-year-old Christine, living in Asheville, North Carolina, begins her year of diary entries with a New Year's resolution: "BE SHINY! (And get a new boyfriend.)" Her best friend, Landry, has better luck with boys, and their relationship is turbulent, eventually culminating in an intense physical fight. Despite her friendship woes, Christine stays focused, continuing to write for her school newspaper and later getting a summer job at the local video store. Her experimentation with dating wealthy neighbor Whit is tumultuous, and good friend and fellow student journalist Paul is an additional, complicated love interest. Each beat of this drama is compulsively readable and intense; Christine's interior life is full of rage, hyperbole, sarcasm, and vulnerability--especially as she also is mourning her father's death. The best parts of the diary entries are Christine's incredible drawings, which are generously interspersed throughout. Ranging from simple pen-and-ink-style sketches to intricate full-page spreads featuring gorgeous detail, diverse techniques, and searing emotion, even the more quotidian details are brought to life. Fans of Larson's graphic novels will appreciate the short, intermittent full-color comic panels that are especially reminiscent of her trademark style. Some misogynistic name-calling and cruel descriptions of other people that aren't unpacked may make it difficult for readers to always root for Christine. All characters read white. An emotional and art-filled slice of teenage life. (Illustrated fiction. 14-18)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.