Art Club | Review

Art Club
By Rashad Doucet
LB Ink, February 2024, $24.99
Grades 4 and up

Is art just a passion? Can it be a career? On one hand, Dale Donavon grew up with his grandmother, who was an avid comic book reader and appreciator of the comic arts. On the other hand, he has been hearing from the other adults in his life that art is something fun to do, but not practical at all. Art does not equal a livelihood.

When Dale writes a school report declaring he will grow up and become a comic book artist, his teacher/assistant principal scoffs at the report. Dale tries to stand up for himself, but Mr. Ruffins just shoots down any notion that he could be right and sends Dale to the principal.

The principal is an ally. He allows Dale to start a new club. Dale is on a mission. He needs at least four members plus a faculty advisor, and the club must earn money. If Dale succeeds, he will pass the report. If he does not, he fails.

The lively artwork with outstanding coloring brings much life to the plot. Dale is a likable and ambitious character. His friends each have traits to admire. They are all nice kids. The only antagonists in this story are the adults. The adult characters are caricatures – the angry and unbending assistant principal. The mother – who has a narrow vision of her daughter. They easily fall into stereotypes and character tropes. This does not impede the overall readability of the story.

Dale and his friends show fortitude and the ability to focus and work together for an end goal, which are all admirable character traits that will empower young readers. Overall, this title will appeal to the middle-grade crowd.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews