Saturday, April 18, 2026

Love, Misha by Askel Aden - ADVISABLE

Love, Misha
by Askel Aden
, 316 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2025 $18. 

Language: PG (10 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, monsters) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Misha and their mom are taking a rare trip together - Misha's mom isn't usually around much, and is having trouble accepting Misha as non-binary. Things are contentious right from the start, and when Audrey (mom) gets them lost in the woods, they find themselves in the Realm of Spirits where humans are eaten. Now they are not just lost, they have to work together in order to escape. Misha has tarot cards, and a spirit guide, and still the conflict with their mother seems to color every decision they make. 
 
I really liked this story, the graphics are muted, mostly in shades of orange and brown, with flashbacks in shades of gray. I was reminded of adventures akin to Spirited Away or Over the Garden Wall. Lots of different monsters, helpers who aren't, and a lot of self-reflection on both Misha's and Audrey's part. While I think it's better for a high school, I would still purchase a copy for my middle school - I like the long form graphic novels that have a nice story. Misha defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian 

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