“Who you are as a freshman defines who you are…FOR THE REST
OF YOUR LIFE!” Or so says Annie’s older brother on the night before her freshman
year of high school. Freshman Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense, by Corinne Mucha, tells
the story of Annie as she navigates her way through her first year of high
school. Though her brother’s tip is slightly melodramatic, Annie still worries
about how high school will be and whether she can find her place. The graphic novel follows Annie through her 9th grade escapades, including awkward ice-breakers on the first day of school, making new friends, trying out for the field hockey team, auditioning for the school play, joining a band, and going to the spring dance. Annie, though, at times, wanting nothing more than freshman year to pass quickly, has one heck of an introduction to high school life.
Annie’s story is a relatable and humorous tale about a girl just trying to figure out high school, friendships, relationships, and extracurriculars. The illustrations in the novel are simple yet entertaining and effective, while the text adds detail and humor to Annie’s story. Mucha’s graphic novel, designated by ALA as a Great Graphic Novel for 2012, is perfect for those about to enter freshman year as well as anyone who wants to be entertained by someone else’s freshman dilemmas. This might be a perfect addition to a syllabus within the first few weeks of freshman year and definitely lends itself to being highly recommendable.
8 comments:
This looks like a book I would have absolutely loved in high school! Just relating to everyday issues a 9th grade girl has to deal with seems like a simple writing concept...I ate that stuff up at that age. At a time where teens can feel so isolated and have the typical "no one understands me!" phase, books like these that prove, yes, there ARE people that understand and you aren't the only teen with teen issues is invaluable. I had never read a real "graphic novel" until American Born Chinese and loved it as a quick read. This one looks like a great pick, even if I'm over the 9th grade dramatic, "my-world-is-over" issues.
I think I would have enjoyed this book my 9th grade year as well! It sound almost like a go to guide on what should happen and what should not happen. I can see this book being on the top shelf of any high school library. In addition, I would probably offer it to 12th grade as reflection on their begining faze into high school as they prepare to exit high school.
I remember when I was about to enter my undergraduate school, I actually read a couple books (most of them comical) about beginning college. Although it was a good laugh, it provided some pretty good insight to what I was about to encounter.
If only there existed anything like that for high school (or if I thought to look for them), it would've been amazing.
I can totally see a graphic novel like this being great to just have on a classroom shelf for some independent reading. After reading Yang's graphic novels, I think it'd be amazing to have more access to graphic novels in class!
This graphic novel sounds like an absolute delight that I have to read! I remember my first day of high school, that's definitely something memorable. The transition is crazy, but like Annie's brother, people exaggerated a lot. Books like this one would have been a huge help in my day. Still, probably going to take a look at it :) Like you said, its also for anyone that wants to even laugh at the craziness of the situations that your confronted with that first year.
This graphic novel seems like a great one for those teens entering high school or even transferring to a new school. I enjoyed your link for icebreakers; man do I not like those! I definitely would've been able to relate to that part of the novel; I always feel like my answers are never anything memorable...but I digress! I think that young adults would certainly be able to make many connections to their experiences and Annie's experiences and could reflect or discuss the best way to handle that period of life. It is a very exciting time but very unnerving too. I am going to have to write this one down for future reference when I someday have kids who are starting high school!
I would use this book for eighth graders and freshmans entering highschool. Thinking back to my high school years; a book like this would have eased alot of angst that I had entering into the unknown.
I would use this book for eighth graders and freshmans entering highschool. Thinking back to my high school years; a book like this would have eased alot of angst that I had entering into the unknown.
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