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sarah_thebooknerd 's review for:
Firebird
by Sunmi
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a YA graphic novel that has 2 Asian MCs that are queer. Caroline is a sophomore and is asked to be a tutor to Kim, a senior who has a lot of obligations on her plate. While working with Kim, Caroline and Kim form a friendship and Caroline starts to examine if she is into Kim as more than a friend and what that might mean for her sexuality. Kim is an out lesbian at school but not at home.
I think the graphics and characters were great but I really feel that the author tackled too many heavy subjects into a book and the ending as a result just felt incomplete. The topics brought up- internal fat shaming, external fat shaming by a parent, financial hardship, fathers not being in the picture, understanding one's sexuality, possible ACE discussion, gender identity discussions and stress from having to care for younger siblings. Because there was so much brought up, none of the subjects were flushed out and given the time they needed to really showcase growth and healing. If this ends up being a series, I will be thrilled and hope that Sunmi adds to the discussions raised but if it stays as just one book I found it to be lacking the depth needed and honestly the healing the kids that are the intended audience need in order to show that healing is necessary from some pretty serious topics.
I think the graphics and characters were great but I really feel that the author tackled too many heavy subjects into a book and the ending as a result just felt incomplete. The topics brought up- internal fat shaming, external fat shaming by a parent, financial hardship, fathers not being in the picture, understanding one's sexuality, possible ACE discussion, gender identity discussions and stress from having to care for younger siblings. Because there was so much brought up, none of the subjects were flushed out and given the time they needed to really showcase growth and healing. If this ends up being a series, I will be thrilled and hope that Sunmi adds to the discussions raised but if it stays as just one book I found it to be lacking the depth needed and honestly the healing the kids that are the intended audience need in order to show that healing is necessary from some pretty serious topics.