Right before Jade leaves for several weeks at a special art camp, she receives a phone call from her friend Phoebe. Phoebe is in the hospital, having tried to hurt herself. This, of course, shocks Jade, leaving her seemingly alone in trying to learn who she is if Phoebe is not there. Through the art she creates, her new friends and some interesting symbolic ceramic pieces, Jade figures out that this summer can open more doors than just being able to win scholarships. While there are trigger issues involved, mature readers will be fine as McCoola has sensitively addressed issues of mental health, sexuality, and emotions. Beautifully created, this graphic novel is a must read for all. — Jeanette
This gorgeous gentle graphic novel is the perfect read for artistic teens, and for anyone wondering how best to support a friend facing mental health challenges. Jade's summer at an intensive art workshop is shaped by her best friends recent suicide attempt, her own artistic self-doubt, and a budding romance with fellow artist Mary. — Rachel Person
“Teens will connect with this story about a teenage artist’s attempts to navigate her work and friendships after her best friend attempts suicide. Great for a teen book club — there’s much to analyze and discuss in this short graphic novel.”
— Amanda Grell, Pearl's Books, Fayetteville, AR
From Eisner-Award nominated writer Marika McCoola and debut artist Aatmaja Pandya, an emotional coming-of-age graphic novel for fans of Bloom and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me.
Right before Jade is about to leave for a summer art intensive, her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide. How is Jade supposed to focus on herself right now?
But at the Art Farm, Jade has artistic opportunities she’s been waiting for her whole life. And as she gets to know her classmates, she begins to fall for whimsical, upbeat, comfortable-in-her-own-skin Mary. Jade pours herself into making ceramic monsters that vent her stress and insecurities, but when she puts her creatures in the kiln, something unreal happens: they come to life. And they’re taking a stand: if Jade won’t confront her problems, her problems are going to confront her, including the scariest of them all—if Jade grows, prospers, and even falls in love this summer, is she leaving Phoebe behind?