The City on the Other Side by Mairghread Scott and Robin Robinson
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Available from First Second Books on April 24, 2018!
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
There isn't much that makes me happier than seeing strong female lead characters in a kid's graphic novel. Set after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Isabel is raised to become a proper little lady by her emotionally detached mother. Isabel would like to stay in the city surrounded by familiar sights instead of heading off to the country to stay with her artist father. She would also like a little adventure, a little independence, and to get her hands dirty once in a while. Her first night spent alone at her father's house doesn't end up a lesson in loneliness and patience, but instead lands Isabel on a journey that tests her bravery.
Isabel meets her first faerie, a Seelie messenger on a mission to deliver an important and magical necklace. After becoming gravely injured, Isabel is tasked with continuing the mission with the help of Button, a sort of mushroom-looking faerie. Together, they travel through both sides of the veil to outrun the Unseelie guards and to find the mysterious Miyori who is believed to be able to change the course of the war. Along the way, Isabel and Button befriend a human thief named Benji who is living on the faerie side of the veil. Throughout all the twists and turns, dangers and fears, Isabel and her two friends work together to finish out their mission.
A fun adventure story with relatable characters and beautiful artwork, City on the Other Side, is a great read for younger children. The story moves on quickly enough to keep kids interested and Button's humorous character keeps the story from becoming too dark.