
The New Girl | Review

The New Girl
By Cassandra Calin
Scholastic Graphix, June 2024, $9.74
Grades 4-8
When Lia and her family move from Romania to Montreal, Canada, there are many changes to their lives. In addition to learning a new language, trying to fit in with others when things are strange and different, Lia struggles with her monthly cycle, which is uncomfortable and painful. There are many ups and downs as Lia transitions to life in Montreal. There are misunderstandings, rocky friendships, and a warm and loving family.
Mia is a very likeable character who meshes well with the many other middle grade graphic novel characters who are coming of age. She is imperfect, creative, and warm. In addition, with immigration at a peak in our country, young readers will get a possible mirror (or window) into the challenges of someone starting all over.
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There are many nuances to point out. Calin’s attention to detail in her storytelling is obvious. She does an excellent job showing Lia’s struggle with language. When the English is fluent, we realize she is speaking her home language, but her broken English is often apparent with her friends.
The author takes a frank look at a young woman starting their menstrual cycles and does a great job of portraying the discomfort. Lia receives tips from her friends and much compassion from her mother. The author does well to destigmatize something that nearly half the population deals with monthly. On the other hand, I was afraid that the impression may be left that it’s always painful. That this is everyone’s experience. Nor does the author relate that this rite of passage readies a woman’s body for the joy of children.
Calin’s frank storytelling spills into the artwork. We see Lia smushing wads of tissues into her underwear because she unexpectedly gets her period and writhing in pain at the onset of her monthly. Crowded, expressive panels lead to the hectic pace of Lia’s life, as she navigates so many things at once. And like so many graphic novels today, the influence of manga is clearly seen, as when Lia shrinks in size when she is mortified by her mother.
The popularity of middle-grade coming-of-age graphic novels is indisputable and The New Girl, will be a welcome addition. Especially, with the slant of being an immigrant. This will fly off the shelves.
Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews

About Esther Keller
Esther Keller is the librarian at William E. Grady CTE HS in Brooklyn, NY. In addition, she curates the Graphic Novel collection for the NYC DOE Citywide Digital Library. She started her career at the Brooklyn Public Library and later jumped ship to the school system so she could have summer vacation and a job that would align with a growing family's schedule. On the side, she is a mother of 4 and regularly reviews for SLJ. In her past life, she served on the Great Graphic Novels for Teens Committee, where she solidified her love and dedication to comics.
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