Telgemeier, Raina. (2014). Sisters. Scholastic: New York, NY.
Genre: Non-fiction (Memoir)
Format: Graphic Novel
Pages: 208
Ages: 8-12
Topics: Siblings relationships
Summary: Raina wishes for a little sister, but when Amara is born she wishes she could take it all back. They argue over everything. Their small apartment doesn't seem big enough for the two of them. To make her life more dramatic she also gets a little brother. The family, except for dad who stays behind to look for work, drive to Colorado Springs to a family reunion. The road trip becomes intense when the sister's different personalities clash. Raina tunes out everything and everyone with the help of her Walkman and some cassette tapes. She is lost in her own world that doesn't pick up the clues of her parents arguments, but Amara is being observant. Amara's questions and comments make Raina pay more attention to her parent's relationship. They need to figure out how to get along and stop fighting like cats and dogs to save the family.
Reader's response: The author uses her cartoon-like illustrations to bring emotion to the minimal text. The book is a easy read since the illustrations do most of the "talking." It is so interesting how words and sounds are drawn with different fonts and colors to signal how they are intended to sound. I like the plot of the story because is something many can connect with. Who doesn't fight with siblings? Everybody has been to family reunions were you feel awkward with extended family members you feel you have nothing in common with. But we all realize that when things get to hard to handle on our own, we have our family to turn to. That's what family is for.
This is a great graphic novel to include in the classroom because it increases comprehension and vocabulary for reluctant readers and ESL leaners. It also serves as a bridge between low and high levels of reading.
Other books by Raina Telgemeir:
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