Sea Legs

Gr 4 Up–This absorbing graphic novel, the result of an opportune pairing between Bakes and Smith, depicts the experience of Janey, a fourth grader whose family leaves Florida to live on a sailboat and tour the Caribbean islands in 1995, pre-smartphone and internet. After an explanation of how one lives on a boat, which landlocked readers will find interesting, it becomes clear that Janey is just like any other kid: curious, obstinate, age-appropriately narcissistic, and oppositional despite cruising amongst the islands. Janey is hungry for friends—someone to hang out with other than her parents, who are consumed by their lifestyle, literally keeping them afloat. Eventually, Janey makes a friend, a slightly older girl named Astrid living on another boat across the anchorage in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Janey’s family boat has stopped for her parents to work. Janey and Astrid’s friendship is typical cool, older girl versus younger, eager girl. The story shifts from a nautical adventure to a friendship drama set in a tropical locale as the two girls get to know each other. Readers will be intrigued by Astrid’s edgy influence on Janey, who is simply looking for some fun but starts making questionable decisions when they are on land alone, away from their vessels and parents. Smith’s comics easily convey the characters’ emotions and the differences between Janey and Astrid. The authors’ notes at the end explain the autobiographical aspects of the book; readers will be left wanting more adventures from Janey.