Inbetweens -- Tween Graphic Novel Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ever wonder what it is like to be a twin? What happens when you and your twin follow your shared dream and it isn't what either of you expected? Today we are sharing a new tween graphic novel that explores this. The book is Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks. It is recommended for ages 10 to 14.

About the Book:

A new tween graphic novel by bestselling author Faith Erin Hicks. Perfect for fans of Sweet Valley Twins and Ride On!


Twin sisters Ash and Sloane are headed to animation camp—where their courage, drive, and sisterly bond will be put to the test!


Twin sisters Sloane and Ash are two peas in a pod, and they do everything together: watch movies, attend classes, and most importantly, draw! So when the summer animation classes of their dreams are about to start, they can barely contain their excitement!

Well…Ash is excited but Sloane is surprised to find she isn’t as jubilant about it, which makes no sense, since she loves art. Meanwhile, Ash discovers that just because you love something, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be good at it, and she struggles under the weight of her own expectations and those of her teacher’s. Soon, the trials of challenging classwork and new friendships drive a wedge between the twins. Can their bond survive the summer?

From Me:

This graphic novel shares the story of twin sisters who have shared the dream of becoming animators for years. This summer they are both attending a special summer program at a great animation college. They each have a time of self-discovery during the program and at times seem to be growing apart. Will they be successful at animation? Will they like it and continue their dream? Will they lose their special twin bond?

Throughout the book there are times of disappointment and questioning for both Sloane and Ash. Ash is usually the one with lots of friends, but Sloane is the one who hangs out with friends more this summer. They get to meet their animation idol, and he is not what they hoped. They find him very discouraging for the few females in the class. This book is truly about self-discovery and following one's dreams. The sisters find they deal with the stress of the class in different ways and eventually come back. It deals with issues many kids face every day, and it gives different ideas to get through them as well as the overall theme of working together. There are also messages about the importance of family as well as dealing with older family members with dementia. There is so much packed into this book that kids can relate to or that will help prepare them for possible future issues.

This book is perfect for any tween looking to follow a dream--especially a dream in art. It shares so many of the hurdles they may meet from family not approving, discouraging teachers and the stress of trying to be perfect. It is a perfect book for independent reading as well as any class library.