Look on the Bright Side | Review

Look on the Bright Side
by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
First Second, $22.99 (hardcover), $14.99 (paperback)
Publisher’s rating: Ages 10-14

The characters—and creators—from Go With the Flow, the 2020 graphic novel about the politics around menstrual products in schools, return. The events here are less focused, more character-driven, which makes it all the more enjoyable to catch up with Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha.

A greater variety of plot lines makes more room for their diverse personalities. Christine is thinking about coming out … and telling Abby about her feelings for her. Abby is continuing her crusade, but in a less intense way. Brit has a crush on a smooth-talking boy, who might be more of a troublemaker than he looks, while Sasha is letting her romance take her attention from schoolwork and other priorities.

The storytelling is less didactic than in the previous book. It’s more episodic, which feels realistic. The challenges—balancing all the things you want and need to do, how and when to come out, setting boundaries, choosing someone to date—are relatable and a good balance of life-changing but age-appropriate for teens.

The art is comfortable, colorful, and easy to read. The overall message, that you can make things better by trying again, is welcome and encouraging. There are also discussions of found family, revisiting incorrect assumptions about others, and acceptance without having to define yourself, all of which are appreciated.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews, Young Adult