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jackie_marion's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Grief, Racism, Xenophobia, Classism, and Colonisation
mlottermoser's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Chinese immigrants experience in 1880’s logging camp with some folk tale elements.
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Hate crime, and Racism
Minor: Grief and Alcoholism
rorikae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'The Legend of Auntie Po' by Shing Yin Khor is a fast paced graphic novel that follows the store of a Chinese girl working and living in a logging camp. We follow Mei as she deals with the racism her Chinese community faces as well as budding feelings for her best friend, Bee. One way that she deals with hardships is through telling the story of Auntie Po, her version of Paul Bunyan. These stories helps her face problems in the camp and questions about where her life will go next.
This graphic novel is heartfelt and delves into difficult subjects with grace and care. Shing Yin Khor's art is simple and effective, making the story fly by while still easily getting captured by the characters. It felt so quick that I wanted more but I think it does well with what is presented. I loved the use of myth to explore the character's struggles. I'd love to see a book dedicated to the Auntie Po legends and even more of the stories we see glimpses of throughout the book.
This graphic novel is heartfelt and delves into difficult subjects with grace and care. Shing Yin Khor's art is simple and effective, making the story fly by while still easily getting captured by the characters. It felt so quick that I wanted more but I think it does well with what is presented. I loved the use of myth to explore the character's struggles. I'd love to see a book dedicated to the Auntie Po legends and even more of the stories we see glimpses of throughout the book.
Graphic: Death, Grief, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I enjoyed this story more and more as time went on. I loved how it explored storytelling as connection, as making sense of things, as reassurance and security, and as a means of expressing yourself and your feelings. It was nifty seeing how stories change as they are passed on, and similarly how traditions change from generation to generation, and how Mei uses both to connect with her culture, history, and family. This truly is a great coming-of-age story, with Mei finding her place and direction in a world and time where she is oppressed as a queer Chinese-American girl.
In terms of spoilers, I liked how Hels was held accountable for his poor allyship. You can’t call someone family and not act like it. In the same vein, Bee is told by Mei multiple times that her life is completely different and that her whiteness affords her privilege. I also loved the hopeful ending !
While the art style was simplistic this was not at all a bad thing, and I enjoyed the watercolour medium. I also appreciated learning so much about logging, for example the instruments used, and activities like log driving.
Books like this remind me that I still love historical fiction and need to pick it up more often!
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Hate crime, Grief, and Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Alcohol, Blood, and Physical abuse
Moderate: loss of a loved onesolenodon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Classism
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