VOYA
Serenity Rose is one of five American witches. She lives in the small town of Crestfallen, where she tries to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible, a difficult task ever since the "bus incident." Her court-appointed psychologist recommended keeping a journal, and this graphic novel is a result of her giving her journals to Aaron A. Serenity's story is introduced very slowly. In between going to a Grinding Organs concert and meeting fellow witch, Vicious Whisper, readers are treated to Serenity's musings on everything from the Goth scene and evangelical religion to drug use and a hilarious anti-Kiss rant. Serenity describes herself as twenty-something years of age. She has faced hardship (the loss of her parents among other things), and her feelings of alienation and disdain will be recognizable to many teens. The text in this graphic novel is very dense. In the introduction, Serenity states, "the storyline is kind of, well . . . haphazard." The art is black and white and is in a japanime style. Serenity and her friends are drawn creepy-cute, with big eyes and wide mouths. Readers who stick with it will be gratified by the sharp humor and Serenity's heartfelt rants, which make this graphic novel appealing to teen readers. This one is an easy sell to fans of Lenore, Squee, and Gloom Cookie. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P J S A/YA G (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults; Graphic Novel Format). 2005, SLG Publishing, 144p., Trade pb.. Ages 12 to Adult.—Stacy Dillon