Lucy in the Sky

Lucy in the Sky
Kiara Brinkman
Sean Chiki, Illustrator
First Second, 2021
304 pages
Grades 5-8
Graphic Novel

Lucy's seventh grade year starts off confusing. Her mother lives all over the world as a photographer and though she calls, Lucy feels abandoned. Dad tries, but is sometimes annoying and doesn't get it. Meanwhile, beloved grandmother, Cookie, is undergoing cancer treatments and is slowing down and not quite the same. Lucy's relationships with her friends are also changing as she realizes that maybe her best friend isn't very nice and that they really don't have much in common. A fan of boy-bands, Lucy picks up an early Beatles album belonging to her father and it becomes a game changer. Listening to the Beatles inspires Lucy to learn to play the drums like Ringo and she longs to form her own rock quartet. The only problem is: they need a guitar player. There is a cool girl that has always intimidated Lucy. Should she approach her and ask her to join the band? Lucy finds the courage and a new rock band (and friendship) is formed.

As a longtime Beatles fan I was drawn to this book immediately. I did not expect to love it so much! Husband and wife team, Brinkman and Chiki, team up for the first time to share their love of the Beatles within a middle grade graphic novel format. Perfect for the contemporary realistic graphic crowd, Lucy in the Sky will find an audience in both music and non-music fans. A coming of age story, Lucy grows and matures throughout the school year through the context of exploring the Beatles, starting from their early work and working through to the end. As someone who got through middle school by listening to the Beatles, I completely related to Lucy's experience. The book is set in 2012, which was unnecessary. Dad, Cookie, and Lucy all have experiences with the Beatles and the story demonstrates that people of all generations can find their music relevant and personal. Lucy learns to navigate friendship, family, and first crush dramas and finds solace and expression through music. I love the character guide at the beginning with a nod to Sgt Pepper. The full color illustrations will attract readers, who may be inspired to pick up instruments of their own.