The Family Trade: Vol. 1

Gr 7 Up—This alternate history centers on a floating city in the middle of the Atlantic. Hiding among the average people of the Float is the Family, a secret society armed with cats and the self-appointed mission to manage the ruling elite (the Clans) and to protect the Float by any means necessary. Jessa, a French teacher by day and an aspiring Family assassin/spy by night, is suspicious of a popular new leader. Readers will admire plucky Jessa and her androgynous, clever friend Orianna. These engaging characters somewhat make up for a thinly described world and underdeveloped supporting cast. Adult themes such as murder, sexual harassment, and the torture of prisoners are introduced in passing but are not addressed in depth. The ink and watercolor artwork is lush and evocative, with stylistic choices such as florid red cheeks on every character. Some readers may struggle to follow the action and identify characters from scene to scene.