Book Review - Sisters

Sisters

Sisters is a graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier that is a memoir of her life.  The book is about Raina’s life growing up with her sister and brother.  The book explores the relationships that Raina has with her siblings, Amara and Will.  The book begins with the family preparing for a road trip.  Raina’s mom will be driving all three children to visit family in Colorado and her father will be flying to meet them on the weekend.  As the road trip begins, we see little spats and arguments between the kids, specifically Raina and Amara.  They do not seem to get along at all and Raina cannot wait to get to see her cousin.  As the arguments bring up issues, we see Raina flashback to the past that may have something to do with the current situation.  The flashbacks help explain her side of the story or the situation that is currently happening.  The family travels from California to Colorado and much of the story takes place in their van and while camping out.  When the family finally reaches her aunts, uncles and cousins, she realizes that she may not have as much in common with her cousins as she had been thinking.  She also realizes that her dad flew to meet them, so that her parents could have some time away from each other.  On the way home, their car breaks down and their mom decides to take will with her to find help and leave Raina and Amara with the van.  While waiting together and talking with Amara, Raina realizes that she may need to tune in more to her family.  The book ends with Mom and will returning with a tow truck and apologizing for leaving the girls alone.

This graphic novel fits into so many different categories, which is why I believe it is so popular and draws the readers into the story so quickly.  This memoir by Raina Telgemeier allows audiences the ability to read for vicarious experiences and for the pure joy of reading.  Telgemeier uses first person point of view to help present an adolescent’s interpretation of the events, which helps the reader develop empathy for the character.  I am the oldest of three and found myself identifying with the main character and remembering back to a similar time in my life.  What I loved the most about this book was that the sisters helped each learn and grow even when it probably wasn’t easy.  This novel is perfect for both middle grade and middle school readers.  They will both learn from the independent protagonist and see how developing and growing takes place.  This is just one of the books that has helped turn me into a huge fan of graphic novels.

Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. New York: Graphix.