About this item
Highlights
- A standout graphic novel debut about a boy whose parents unexpectedly divorce, perfect for fans of Stepping Stones, Allergic, and Twins.When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos.
- 8-12 Years
- 7.82" x 5.92" Paperback
- 240 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Comics & Graphic Novels
Description
Book Synopsis
A standout graphic novel debut about a boy whose parents unexpectedly divorce, perfect for fans of Stepping Stones, Allergic, and Twins.When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos. He knows he shouldn't like his dad's home-wrecker girlfriend, Jasmine, but she isn't a jerk like he expected. Then his mom brings home a new boyfriend -- and his teenage daughter! To top it off, Galen's friend Kyle has inexplicably become really mean. To process these confusing emotions, Galen and his best friend, Luna, decide to make a documentary movie all about his parents' divorce. But will the reel life of filmmaking help Galen face his real life?
Author-illustrator Kane Lynch draws on childhood experiences to tell a nuanced and deeply empathetic story about the messy, awkward, and sometimes funny dilemmas that result from evolving families and friendships.
Review Quotes
"Drawing on childhood experiences, Lynch's evocative graphic novel debut sagely captures the angst and unease of early adolescence. Galen's journey is fraught but accessibly portrayed, acknowledging the difficulties that parental separation and recoupling can bring. Cinematic full-color illustrations center the action throughout the tidy panels, keeping the pages turning with Lynch's stylized art. Fans of Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Shannon Hale will find much to love." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Lynch's bold, colorful art nicely captures the emotions of the characters, particularly as Galen and Luna work on editing their documentary. This thoughtful and accessible comic excellently explores the complicated feelings that are part of divorce and shines light on both the highs and lows of the experience." -- Booklist
"A thoughtful drama with richly drawn characters, and a meaningful exercise in empathy for young readers." -- School Library Journal
"With warm artwork and vulnerable storytelling, Kane Lynch's Reel Life provides insight into the complex feelings of a child whose parents are in the middle of divorce. Kane's book will validate the complicated emotions of children in similar circumstances, and encourage all of us to better empathize with those who are experiencing a change in family dynamics. For those reasons, and many more, I highly recommend Reel Life for kids and parents alike." -- Wes Molebash, author and artist of Travis Daventhorpe for the Win!
About the Author
Kane Lynch is a cartoonist from California's Central Coast whose comics and illustrations have appeared in The Nib, Slate, and Psychology Today. Kane studied film at UC Santa Cruz and cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies and today teaches comic-making to students of all ages. Reel Life is Kane's debut kids' graphic novel. You can learn more at KaneToons.com.