Inbetweens

Gr 5--8--Twins Sloane and Ash have dreamed of becoming animators ever since they rode the animation ride at Disney World as kids. The summer after eighth grade, they get to live their dream by attending an eight-week animation course at the prestigious Ormidale College, where they will be taught by the world-renowned animator Douglas Frye. Unfortunately, animation isn't as magical as they imagined. Mr. Frye prefers the male students' work, complimenting their friend Nisha's projects until he realizes that Nisha is a girl. Ash struggles to keep up with her classwork and finds animation to be much harder than she thought. Sloane gradually realizes that while she loves art, animation isn't for her. After Ash is told by Mr. Frye that she doesn't have the "special spark" to be an animator, she is at a loss about what her future holds. Hicks has crafted a poignant graphic novel that touches on themes of feminism, courage, and the bittersweet struggle of pursuing--and sometimes changing--one's dreams. A strong female role model, explorations of powerful emotions, and references to classic animated films will keep young teen readers engaged, regardless of their interest in art. Those with a passion for animation may also pick up on many parallels between the fictional elements and the real studios and artists who led the Canadian animation industry in the late 1990s. Hand this to fans of Dan Santat's A First Time for Everything and Matt Tavares's Hoops. VERDICT An excellent coming-of-age graphic novel from the author of Pumpkinheads, great for tweens and teens learning more about themselves and what they want from their future.--Annamarie Carlson

In 1999, Canadian twin sisters learn about themselves while pursuing their dream. Sloane and Ash love art. While Sloane is anxious and measured, Ash is passionate and outgoing. As big Disney fans, they're excited to be attending a prestigious summer animation program. They quickly befriend fellow students Cameron and Nisha, who's the only other girl present (the sisters and Cameron appear white, and Nisha is cued South Asian). Their teachers include Douglas Frye, who directed a movie both girls love; Ash is especially starstruck. But Mr. Frye is dismissive of the obviously talented Nisha, while favoring a white-presenting boy whose work isn't as strong. Ash, who reads queer, realizes that her enthusiasm doesn't immediately translate into skill, and she questions her future in animation when Mr. Frye undermines her. Meanwhile, Sloane isn't enjoying the program as much as expected and struggles with motivation. With wise, compassionate guidance from Asian Canadian film studies instructor Lisa Sato, who introduces the class to anime--plus a "Kiki's Delivery Service" movie night with Studio Ghibli fan Nisha--the twins find their ways back to loving art on their own terms. The leads' realistic growth and the story's nuanced exploration of relatable and relevant themes make this work a standout. The energetic, jewel-toned artwork highlights the characters' full range of emotions and brings to life the scenes from animated films. A resonant, richly drawn story about confronting obstacles, asking courageous questions, and forging your own path. (definitions, bibliography, sketches and concept art)(Graphic fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.