Bound To Stay Bound

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 I am not Starfire
 Author: Tamaki, Mariko

 Publisher:  DC Comics (2021)

 Dewey: 741.5
 Classification: Nonfiction
 Physical Description: 166 p., col. ill.

 BTSB No: 871704 ISBN: 9781779501264
 Ages: 14-18 Grades: 9-12

 Subjects:
 Graphic novels
 Identity (Psychology) -- Fiction
 Ability -- Fiction
 Mother-daughter relationship -- Fiction
 Superheroes -- Fiction

Price: $13.93

Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Mandy, who dyes her hair black and hates almost everyone, is not like her mother, the tall, sparkly alien superheo Starfire, so when someone from Starfire's past arrives, Mandy must make a choice about who she is and if she should risk everything to save her mom. In graphic novel format.

 Illustrator: Yoshitani, Yoshi



Full Text Reviews:

School Library Journal - 07/16/2021 Gr 7 Up—Short, chubby, white high school student Mandy feels like the opposite of her mom, Starfire, a superhero from the planet Tamaran who frequently graces magazine covers; Mandy's powers consist of making it through the school day, alongside her best friend Lincoln, the son of Vietnamese immigrants. When deadpan, goth Mandy is paired with her crush, popular Claire, for a project, she wonders if Claire might return her feelings—or if she's only being friendly to meet Starfire in person. But Mandy's problems enter the life-and-death realm when her mother's sister arrives, intent on wiping out any rivals to her power. Tamaki uses a superhero fantasy tale to tell a universal story of growing up and finding one's identity. Lincoln and Mandy face similar challenges; they're both the children of immigrants, technically. Yoshitani keeps the visual narrative lively with creative use of perspective and color; scenes from Mandy's childhood are framed in pink, while important characters are associated with signature colors (Lincoln's teal-framed glasses, Claire's orange fingernails and barrettes). One bold double-page spread appears ripped down the middle, with Mandy and her mother on opposing sides, heightening the conflict. VERDICT Filled with coming-of-age themes such as first crushes (and kisses), identity building, and fear of failure, this comic deserves a place on every teen graphic novel shelf alongside contemporary classics like Noelle Stevenson's Nimona.—Jenny Arch, Lilly Lib., Florence, MA - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

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