I Felt Myself Slipping

Gr 9 Up–When Kota meets the new member of her gymnastics class, Riley, the two teen girls have a moderately rough road to friendship. While Kota is outgoing and eager to make a pal of the new arrival, who demonstrates great skill and a serious attitude, Riley is less interested in socializing. One of her two dads has recently died and her now-single parent is depressed. Riley herself is deaf and less than thrilled by Kota’s persistence in learning to communicate with her. Yet, basic good will on both their parts steadily breaks down the barrier even as a fall from the bar takes a bite from Kota’s usual self-confidence. Black-and-white ink artwork highlighted with blue wash showcases each central and side character’s individuality and personality, including Kota’s biracial white and Japanese family. Nadine’s illustrations clearly distinguish the three styles the new friends use to communicate: speech, ASL, and writing in a shared notebook.