Sylvie

Gr 6 Up–Kantorovitz tells the story of how her family emigrated from Morocco to France. Young Sylvie explores her home, navigates new friendships, and discovers a passion for art, while facing hurdles such as fighting with her brother and being part of the only Jewish family in town. As Sylvie gets older, her concerns likewise become more mature, from dealing with a difficult relationship with her mother to struggling to balance her love of art with the need for a responsible career. The cartoonish art style is enchanting, and Kantorovitz makes effective use of color and panel layout to convey mood. While not as heartbreaking as Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, this title will also allow young adults to see their own challenges reflected on the page. The only flaw is an abrupt ending that leaves readers wanting to know what happens when Sylvie leaves for college.