Sisters, an engaging graphic novel for readers ages 11-14.

Telgemeier, R., Lamb, B., Falco, P., & Graphix (Firm). (2014). Sisters. New York, NY: Graphix. Raina Telgmeier, author and illustrator of well-known graphic novels Smile and Drama, has given her fans another winning title in her graphic memoir Sisters. Sisters follows the rocky relationship of Raina and her younger sister Amara as they travel with their younger brother and mother to a family reunion in Colorado while their father plans to stay behind and work. But as the reader sees in the beginning of the story, Amara and Raina can barely get through a meal without an argument, foreshadowing the difficulties they face on the journey ahead.

The drive to Colorado is fraught with ups and downs and Telgmeier cleverly balances the primary story line with flashbacks to difficult periods in the family’s lives. We learn of their baby brother’s birth, financial difficulties, the loss of beloved pet goldfish, and one or two poignant moments between Raina and Amara. And when car trouble forces their mother to make a difficult decision to get assistance, Raina and Amara must finally able to put their differences aside and get along.

Telgmeier’s humorous, cartoon-style illustrations complement the narrative rather than overpower it, as graphic novels often do. Sisters is a heart-warming and honest portrayal of a complicated relationship between two characters who discover what it means to be there for each other.

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