I read this one directly on the heels of E. Lockhart’s Whistle which featured Pam – Poison Ivy – as an already established supervillain and did so much better than this purported origin story. Although Pam is the main character, the reader knows as much as her new friend/love interest which prevents the reader from truly engaging with Pam. I will not add this one to the classroom shelves.
I came into this book at a bit of a disadvantage knowing nothing about the TV/book series which forms the basis of this adaptation starring the children of Disney movie villain (and one of the protagonist) characters. This graphic novel adaptation depends far too much on this background knowledge to make for a coherent standalone story much less one capable of reaching a wide audience. For that reason, I will not add this to my classroom library.
Unfortunately, this read marked the third book in a row read for this classroom graphic novel project that missed the mark. This book dumps the reader into a fully established world with no explanation of the danger. Only a little explanation ever comes and that comes late in the narrative. I thought as I read that, perhaps, I had picked up an adaptation or continuation of another previously established story but, alas, not
even that possibility could save it. I will nto add this one to my classroom library.
I can always rely on K. O’Neill to deliver a solid, heartwarming story. She, brilliantly, sets the reader down in an already established world and makes the reader quickly engage and empathize with the main character, a ranger candidate who seems to keep messing up. She also excels in her depiction of a reluctant yet ultimately successful and solid friendship through which the main character learns and grows.
The Comix sub picked yet another winner which already has a place on my classroom shelves.
Perhaps I hold the original work in too high regard to be satisfied by most adaptations or retellings. I really enjoyed the graphic novel adaptation of the original and did not mind this one until the author reached the closing portion and completely changed the nature of Anne and Diana’s friendship. This would not have bothered me as much if the author had taken other liberties earlier in the retelling rather than sticking faithfully to
every single name, plot beat and characterization up until that point. While this book did not work for me for that reason, most, if not all, of my students have never read or seen the original work or its television adaptations and would not be put off by what I noted above. I may add this to the classroom shelves but it is not a high priority.
I did not expect my first Roxanne Gay book to be a graphic novel but this will not be the last. I found myself fascinated by this dystopian tale, most likely set on a different yet similar planet to earth. The story lays bare a lot of cruel truths that exist in our world like corporate greed, desperation, and the desire for someone to blame when things go catastrophically wrong and does all of that through the loss of the sun and a sudden
plunge into cold and deep darkness. This is a phenomenal book just not one for middle schoolers so I will not purchase it for my classroom shelves.
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