Graphic Novel Book Review on SISTERS Written by: Telgeimeier, Raina. and Illustrated by Rose Bousamra

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Telgemeier, Raina. 2014. SISTERS. Ill. Rose Bousamra. New York. Graphix. ISBN: 978-1-66882-269-2. 

PLOT SUMMARY

Reina goes on an eventful family trip from California to Colorado alongside her mother, brother, and sister. During their roadtrip, the siblings find their own space as Reina co-pilots for her mother and arrive at their destination at their relatives house. Looking forward to an exciting reunion with their cousins turns out to be less than that and both girls find more common ground than they expect on their journey back home. Their relationship, a rocky one since day one, continues as a shared experience as they realize their parent’s marriage is facing some difficulties, they’re left behind while their mother tries to find car help; fortunately, they spend some much needed bonding time and enjoy each other’s company. Their trip back home is a pleasant one.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The sibling relationship between Amara and Raina is a very relatable one with readers everywhere. The illustrations show detail to help visualize the ups and downs of their relationship as we feel different emotions for their struggles and victories throughout the story. The visual help of the illustrations throughout, especially the sepia colored flashback memories, give the reader insight into their background as a family and for the sisters. The collective effort of sacrifice as a family is also shared between the sisters as they have to sacrifice being left alone when mother had to go look for car help. This forced the sisters to bond and come out victorious in their effort of overcoming their differences and enjoying each other’s presence. Although they may continue their difficult relationship of teasing one another they work hard to find common ground on their trip back home. There is humor and heart-felt emotions from beginning to end and help the reader relate to the relationships, hardships and victories families share throughout their lives. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

ALA Notable Children’s Books, 2015

Booklist starred, 06/01/14

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 09/01/14

Horn Book Guide starred, 04/01/15

Horn Book Magazine starred, 11/01/15

Kirkus Reviews starred, 06/01/14

Library Media Connection, 01/01/15

New York Times, 08/24/14

Publishers Weekly starred, 07/01/14

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, 10/01/14

Booklist starred (June 1, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 19)): “Telgeimeier keeps the surface  story popping and zippy even through the constant sparring between the awkwardly adolescent Raina and her firecracker younger sister, a relationship that will prove profoundly familiar to many readers.”

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2015): “ Telgemeier’s art humorously captures fourteen-year-old Raina’s emotions, drawing readers into the road-trip story, which doesn’t depend on having read the first book.”

Kirkus Reviews starred (June 1,2014): “A wonderfully charming tale of family and sisters that anyone can bond with.”

Connections: 

This graphic novel is perfect for the upper elementary audience and ties perfectly into social emotional lessons for emotional change and relationship skills. 

Creating a book talk around this graphic novel can really help students vocalize their emotions and share feelings regarding siblings and family. 

Drawing a portrait of a favorite memory with a sibling would be a great art extension to reading this graphic novel.

Other books of adolescence, siblings and family:

Telgemeier, Raina. SMILE. ISBN 978-1-71373-518-2

Farina, Katy. BABY-SITTERS. 2, KAREN’S ROLLER SKATES (BABY SITTERS LITTLE SISTER, BOOK 2) ISBN 978-1-72548-741-3

Lloyd, Megan Wagner. SQUISHED. ISBN 978-1-66887-627-5