Brielle and Bear, Vol. 1

Gr 9 Up–Brielle Da Rosa and her best friend, Rosalie, are first years at Once Upon a Time University. When she’s not daydreaming at her job as a bookstore assistant, Brielle is reading fairy tales, playing the piano, or thinking about books. When Atohi, aka Bear, comes into the shop, Brielle is intrigued by him—a tall guy holding a romance book is not something she sees every day. The next time she meets him, they begin a friendship. Bear, a star player on the Prince rugby team, is initially shy, but after encouragement from Brielle, he lets his guard down and reveals that he was bullied as a child, loves poetry, plays the cello, and is dyslexic. Though he’s afraid to share his secrets with his friends, Bear is comforted by Brielle, who makes him realize that people can accept him for who he is. With delightful, colorful artwork, this graphic novel features a sweet, upbeat story. Doku’s clean, straightforward plot gives Disney vibes. The story flows nicely, although some readers may need more depth about the issues the characters face, such as Bear’s learning disability and Brielle’s grief after losing her mother. The several side stories explore friendship, family, and trust.