The Golden Hour

The Golden Hour

Niki Smith

Little Brown, 2021

237 pages

Grades 5-8

Graphic Novel

A new teacher greets the art class after spring break and Manuel is placed at a different table with two kids he doesn't know. The changes feel weird, but welcome as Manuel struggles to put one foot in front of another after a tragedy not immediately revealed to the reader. His new tablemate, Sebastian and Caysha are friendly and feel like a fresh start. Sebastian invites the group to his house on a local farm to work on a project and Manuel instantly feels at home. He helps Sebastian raise his new calf, learns to center himself when having panic attacks by taking photos, and, finally, begins to heal. Eventually, we see that Manuel was involved in a school shooting of which he feels responsible and his beloved art teacher was hurt. The post traumatic triggers still at times leave him feeling debilitated. As a rural midwestern spring turns to summer and with the help of his new friends, the gift of time, and afternoons on the farm, Manuel starts to finally heal and breath a little easier. Now if only he could help his mother stop worrying so much and give him a bit of freedom.

This is a beautiful coming of age graphic memoir sure to please readers who like stories about kids overcoming problems. The school shooting seems straight from our current headlines and is scarily realistic. Manuel's grief and anxiety come through and when he is going through an "episode" the illustrations become very dark and reflect his emotions. In contrast life on the farm is painted in healing bright colors and gorgeous images. Readers who are also experiencing troubles will find strategies through Manuel's choices of taking photos as an anchor, finding positive friends, and happy places that spark joy. Hints at an innocent queer relationship between Manuel and Sebastian will go over the heads of some kids, yet be welcome to others. The writing of The Golden Hour is solid, yet it is the full-color illustrations that really steal the show. Smith is particularly strong at capturing sunrise and sunset in his fully realized Kansas setting. Backmatter includes an author's note about PTSD, the sources behind the featured famous photographs, and early sketches. A quiet story that will find an audience among thoughtful young people.