This was our Pact

This was our Pact
Ryan Andrews
First Second, June, 2019 338 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

Every year at the small northern town's autumn equinox festival, lanterns are released into the river. Legend has it that they reach far into the stars, but can that be true? Ben and his four pals have decided that this is the year that they get to the bottom of the mystery. They make a pact: no one turns for home & no one looks back. After release the boys jump on their bikes and follow the road along the river, where the lanterns bob along. An unwelcome guest follows a close distance behind. It is Nathaniel, a family friend of Ben's, who is a big nerd and not invited. One by one the boys drop out of the adventure with various excuses, leaving Ben with only Nathaniel for company. The two boys soldier on, encountering many magical and mysterious creatures and adventures along the way, both thrilling and frightening. Finally, the mystery of the lanterns is solved, yet the boys feel compelled to still fulfill the pact and not turn for home.

This is truly the Renaissance of graphic novels and Andrews has offered a new and stunning contribution. Refreshingly not biographical, this book feels as if it is going in that direction and then veers off to the magical. The story line is fresh, adventurous, and surprising. The stunning illustrations have a manga feel and are a cut above the norm. They perfectly reflect the crisp autumn nighttime atmosphere: a little bit creepy and a lot of bit magical, where anything can happen. Both Ben and Nathaniel change and grow as characters through their adventure, discovering inner strength and an overlooked comradery. At the core, this is a friendship story and will inspire readers to maybe give the nerd in their lives a second look. Quality books of interest to boys that don't rely on potty humor are sorely lacking and this title fills the bill quite nicely, though it will also be enjoyed by girls. A beautiful and magical book by a new talent that, unfortunately, won't be out until the long winter is over.