Skim

Skim follows Japanese-Canadian teenager Kimberly Keiko Cameron, who goes by "Skim," as she navigates life at an all-girls private school in Toronto during the 1990s. After a classmate's ex-boyfriend dies by suicide, the school becomes consumed with grief awareness campaigns and forced positivity. Skim finds herself increasingly isolated as she explores Wicca, keeps a detailed diary, and develops complex feelings for her unconventional English teacher Ms. Archer. Her best friend Lisa begins drifting toward a different social circle, leaving Skim to process her emotions and questions about identity largely on her own. The graphic novel format, illustrated in stark black and white, captures both the sharp observations and dreamy introspection of Skim's teenage experience. Through diary entries and visually rich sequences, the story tracks her path through depression, friendship changes, and sexual awakening. This coming-of-age narrative examines how teenagers encounter and process grief, while questioning mainstream attitudes about mental health and conformity. The story creates space for complexity in its treatment of sexuality, cultural identity, and the intense emotional landscape of adolescence.

Readers connect with the authentic portrayal of teenage emotions and social dynamics in Skim. The art style reflects the protagonist's moods, with detailed ink work during introspective moments and looser sketches for daily life. Readers appreciated: - Realistic depiction of depression and questioning sexuality - Nuanced handling of complex themes without being heavy-handed - Integration of illustrations with storytelling - Asian-Canadian representation Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly - Some found the ending abrupt - Text can be difficult to read in certain formats - Wished for more character development Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ reviews) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (2,000+ ratings) "The art captures exactly what it feels like to be a teenage outsider" - Goodreads reviewer "Beautiful artwork but needed more story resolution" - Amazon reviewer

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel A graphic memoir following a young lesbian's relationship with her closeted father through themes of literature, family secrets, and sexual identity.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki Two pre-teen friends navigate first crushes, family struggles, and the end of childhood during a summer at a lakeside cottage.

Blue Is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh A French graphic novel chronicles a teenage girl's journey of self-discovery and first love with an older art student.

Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel A memoir in comics form explores the complex relationship between a daughter and mother through psychoanalysis, literature, and memory.

Ghost World by Dan Clowes Two cynical teenage friends face the end of high school and their friendship as they confront the realities of growing up in their suburban town.

🌟 Skim won the Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent, making Jillian Tamaki the first woman to receive this prestigious Canadian comic award 📚 The graphic novel was a collaboration between cousins Jillian Tamaki (illustrator) and Mariko Tamaki (writer), who would later team up again for the acclaimed "This One Summer" 🎨 The book's distinctive art style was created using a combination of traditional brush and ink techniques, inspired by Japanese brush painting and manga 🏳️‍🌈 The story's exploration of sexuality and identity was groundbreaking for YA graphic novels when it was published in 2008, addressing themes that were rarely discussed in the format at that time 🗓️ The narrative is presented as the protagonist's diary entries from 1993, deliberately set in this period to explore themes of teen life before the internet and social media became ubiquitous