Lucy Knisley
Random House, 2020 213 pages
Grades 3-6
Graphic Novel
When Jen's parents divorce, she leaves the city with her mother to live on a farm with Mom's boyfriend, Warren. Warren is opinionated, bossy, and-worst of all-calls her Jenny. They build a chicken coup, have chicks sent through the mail to move in, plant a garden, and begin their new lives, which includes weekly trips to sell their wares at the local Farmer's Market. Warren's kids start to spend weekends with the family. New sister, Andy, is brilliant and exacting, while little sister, Reese, is both annoying and cute. Everyone pitches in at the market, where Andy's math skills seem to be more highly valued than Jen's artistic contributions. Finally, an encounter with a snake binds Jen and Andy and the girls start to tentatively become family. The story ends with the chicks finally becoming chickens and producing the first batch of delicious eggs and an afternoon at the swimming hole where Jen and Andy share fun and sister secrets.
This is a sweet new graphic novel sure to appeal to the fans of Raina Telgemeirer, Shannon Hale and the graphic Babysitter's Club. The best thing about this book is that it is appropriate for younger readers. I have second graders looking to read Telgemeier's books, which sometimes contain themes more leaning towards tweens. Stepping Stones will certainly find an audience with kid's going through divorce-and anyone looking for a gentle realistic story. Kids will relate to Jen's story as she struggles with changes and owning her identity. The theme of moving to the country for a simpler life is also very timely as people leave the cities in droves and long for fresh country living. The story is told partially in simple text and contains full panels with no text, allowing the illustrations to push the plot forward. The comics are in full color, are easily scanned and are printed on nice thick paper. An author's note shows actual photos from Knisley's life and tells the truth behind the tale. Relatable, heartwarming, and timely, I greatly enjoyed this escape to the country and am confident that young readers will as well.
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