I have appreciated Lucy Knisley's work from some time now, including Stepping Stones. Here, I'll share three ideas that resonate with me about this book:
1. Comics Do More
One of the ideas that I fully embrace as a literacy teacher and person who loves comic books and graphic novels is that they are not all about superheroes and spandex. Comics do not only tell one kind of story, and Knisley makes use of the graphic novel medium to tell us a story that is grounded and lovely. I see so many possibilities for upper elementary and middle school students to engage with this content (and beyond).
2. The Use of Personal Story
Knisley could have chosen any story to tell, but as the last pages of the book reveal in personal words and pictures, this narrative is experiential. I love when artists and authors make their inspirations and experiences explicit in this way, and graphic novels are wonderful textual spaces for personal memoir. Not only that, but this personal story is told in beautiful artwork and a compelling way. A lovely mentor text for younger and older readers!
3. So Relatable
As a former middle grades teacher and always book advocate, I loved this book and appreciate what Knisley has done. I can see myself using this book and will share my copy with other teachers in the near future. Highly recommended reading that draws on the human story...literally by drawing and by writing.
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