Suncatcher by Jose Pimienta, 217 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Graphic (Random House Children’s Books), 2020. $17.
Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Beatriz, a high school student, is consumed by music and the need to finish this one killer song. School and even sometimes her bandmates make it hard for Beatriz to figure the song out, but she has to finish it, and no one understands: her grandfather’s soul is trapped and dependent on Beatriz finishing the song. And she won’t rest until he’s free.
With a story mostly about music, I was surprised by how the illustrations helped me feel what I couldn't hear throughout the book and how well the pictures and story compliment each other. Pimienta has woven a story that starts with good intentions and slowly descends into obsession. While not all readers are trying to free the souls of their loved ones, it’s easy to fall down our own slippery slopes. Beatriz’s story doesn’t say not to do the things we love; the lesson from Pimienta is to find balance because that is what will really make us happy. Balance in life and a couple of good friends make all the difference.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
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