Chiggers

My 12-year old daughter was recently diagnosed with ADD and a learning disability. It seems she lacks a visual memory -- her comprehension (listening and reading) suffers because she can't "see in her mind" the narrative of a story or utilize mnemonic devices. Her doctor recommended to us that we try comics or graphic novels to help develop it. We're not readers of comics, and our daughter wasn't excited about reading them because she felt it would make her look dumb. On the advice of A Parent's Guide to the Best Kids' Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love , we bought "Chiggers". We're grateful to Hope Larson (author) and the write-up about this book in the Guide. "Chiggers" really spoke to my daughter directly as it captures so perfectly the intensity and chaos of young girls' emotions and relationships as they come of age. Its frank, realistic narrative is emotionally deep and literary in every sense and is enhanced by Larson's art. My daughter now wants to read all of Larson's work (which I've just purchased). We're grateful to Hope Larson for writing (and drawing) directly to our daughter in a way that she could readily experience and embrace her work, and for inspiring enthusiasm in her about reading. And we're grateful to A Parent's Guide to the Best Kids' Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love for recommending her work.

Hope Larson takes the cliche "a picture is worth 1,000 words" and brings it to stunning life in "Chiggers." The story is realistic, but touching, and young readers will receive a deep challenge of interpreting a mystical weave of incredible brush strokes. Readers of all ages can lose themselves in the intricate web of Hope Larson's brilliant art. Perhaps those who are not as interested in the deeper visual aspects of life will fail to notice the emotive content that lies within Chiggers' pages. But those who are in tune to the richness of content that graphic story telling offers are in for a treat. You can tell nervousness in brush strokes, and feel the characters' emotions visually as they are upset or angry. I have read some reviewers' problems with recognizing the characters, but I could tell each one apart. Perhaps a characters page in future printings could easily rectify this? I find them useful, even in extremely easy cases. One day, I will gladly hand "Chiggers" to my future children, and help them learn the richness of graphic storytelling. Until then, I will happily enjoy the book myself, even being far outside the target demographic.

Do move not to have to run to microwave when at your desk.

This graphic novel I would suggest for slightly older young readers, younger teens as apposed to tweens, as it implies sex (although does not talk about it) and mentions girls periods. I read it because I give books away to young people and wanted to see what this was about, that and I have an 11 year old daughter. Chiggers is really well written and beautifully illustrated by Hope Larson. Hope also did A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, and I have to say from what little I have read (these two) I really like her work - a lot. Chiggers is about girls at summer camp (my daughter's first was this summer) and all that goes on there. From boyfriends in rock bands dumping their girl friends in letters, to chiggers (of course) to back biting between groups of girls and that painful part of trying to fit in. The story centers around Abby who in the past has been great friends with Rosie. They are looking forward to hanging out with one another, despite the three year age difference, only Rosie is now a cabin assistant and has no time to spend with Abby. Abby's other camp friends seem to have become too cool for Abby (with piercings and 'proper' boyfriends), but when one leaves, they get a new cabin mate, Shasta. Shasta is very different and takes to Abby, but Shasta has a few things she keeps close to her chest. Can Shasta be trusted, is she a true friend? Shasta and Abby become friends of sorts; they definitely become confidants. Despite the others in the cabin calling Shasta weird, Abby stands by her. Years ago Shasta was struck by lightening and strange things happen to her when there is strong electrical fields. The girls give one another new haircuts. Abby hears who she thinks are friends put her down. The story jumps about, but in a way that works well. It is like taking the boring bits out, and keeping the pertinent parts only, which is what makes it work. It is a touching story of girls getting on and not getting on at summer camp, and shows how some people grow, and others, well, they are who they are! It is a warming book in a way, almost a form of poetry about girls growing up. I will be looking for more of Hope's work. I think I will try Larson's Mercury next.