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Sisters

 

(Photo from Goodreads.com)

1.       Bibliography
Telgemeier, Raina. 2010. SISTERS. New York, NY: Scholastic INC. ISBN 978-0545132060

2.       Plot Summary
In the companion to SMILE, Telgemeier’s SISTERS, focuses on the relationship with her little sister. Like many sisters, the two do not see eye-to-eye and the result is blow out fights and animosity. The two have to come together at times though when their little brother is born and when they sense something is off in their family dynamic. This graphic novel depicts a family road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.

3.       Critical Analysis
Raina Telgemeier tells the story of her childhood frustrations with her siblings, mainly her sister, in the graphic memoir SISTERS. The story goes back and forth between then of small children and the now of older children. This is easy to follow in the picture format. The humor flows easily and the serious moments are relatable. The characters have expressive faces, making their emotions come through on the page. Telgemeier uses her cartoon-style drawings to bring out the context and emotion, the text being mostly dialogue.

Written for young people, middle school students will enjoy this quick-paced ode to the tumultuous relationship that is siblings. The sister have to come together when they realize their parents’ relationship is off and possibly in jeopardy. Despite the rivalry between the two, they have to put aside the difference to support each other. Family supporting one another is a theme that rings true in this book.

4.     Awards/ Reviews

*#1 New York Times Bestseller

*Eisner Award Winner

★ "A wonderfully charming tale of family and sisters that anyone can bond with." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Alternately poignant and laugh-out-loud funny." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Telgemeier's art complements her writing to great effect, offering a cheerful, vivid cartoon simplicity that allows readers to instantly engage even as it leaves room for deeper truths to take hold." -- Booklist, starred review

★ "A must-have follow-up to Smile." -- School Library Journal, starred review

5.       Connections

*Middle school students who like graphic novels would like this book. It would be a good transition from picture chapter books to longer texts.

*There are themes of identity and the struggle to fit in that students will enjoy.

*Anybody dealing with frustrating siblings will sympathize with this book.

Other graphic novels for middle schoolers that deal with growing up/tough issues:

* Craft, Jerry. 2019. NEW KID. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 978-0-06-269120-0

*Jamieson, Victoria. 2015. ROLLER GIRL. New York, NY. Dial Books. ISBN 978-0803740167

*Krosoczka, Jarrett. 2018. KEY, KIDDO. New York, NY: Graphix. ISBN 978-054502487

*Telgemeier, Raina. 2010. SMILE. New York, NY: Graphix. ISBN 978-0545132060

 

 

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