Review Detail

The premise of this graphic novel intrigued me. I'm a homeschooling mom, so I had to see what the author did with her homeschooled character Maggie. Seems after her mother 'left', Maggie has to attend the public school high school. She's nervous and afraid she won't make any friends. The high school hallways scene is so realistic. I mean, what homeschooler wouldn't freak out being around tons of kids after being sheltered in a home situation?

I love the interactions Maggie has with her brothers. So real and funny. I know as I grew up in a family of nine. The fights, arguments, and tender moments between siblings is so true. I love the family dynamics which aren't over the top.

I like how Maggie does connect with the so-called freaks at the school. Lucy is someone who dances to her own beat with an innocence that is refreshing. She's not the stereotypical hardcore goth girl with a chip on her shoulder. Love it. Her brother Alistair is stand-offish with his own secret. Add to all this a ghost that haunts Maggie, who seems resigned to it. I really didn't get where the ghost fit into this story unless it was to help with the climax of the tale. I wanted more story on the mysterious ghost and why was she haunting Maggie and no one else.

Otherwise, Maggie is a character that is very real with her emotions especially with her struggle to understand why her mother, who homeschooled her most of her life, decided to leave the family. The sibling interaction is my favorite part of this story, along with the illustrations. Plus the scene where Maggie takes her new friends to see the horror movie Alien is classic!

Another first second graphic book winner!