Buckle Up

May 13, 2024
Lindell (Blackward) packs big issues into the small space of a sedan in this heartwarming graphic novel that examines the aftermath of divorce. Lonnie’s mother always says that he and his older sister Nicole are “young, gifted, and Black.” Though the siblings turn the phrase into a tongue-in-cheek inside joke, Lonnie has been feeling small, angry, and alone ever since his parents divorced and his father moved out. To curtail taunting from his classmates about his parents’ split, Lonnie insists that his father pick him up from a corner far from school. Throughout this humorous novel, Lonnie and his father struggle to connect, which the creator depicts in a series of car-ride conversations. Annoyed by a homophobic comment from his father, Lonnie comes out as bisexual, an event that signals a turning point for father and son as they navigate their shifting relationship post-divorce. Their triumphs and missteps are equal parts awkward and tender, a dynamic that’s amplified by Lindell’s simple yet expressive digital drawings, which render Lonnie’s inner thoughts via monochrome line art that change color according to his mood. Ages 8–12.

July 1, 2024
Grades 3-6 Navigating life in two households with newly divorced parents, Lonnie frequently finds himself trapped in the car, stuck in yet another uncomfortable conversation. Tussles with his older sister, sadness about the divorce, fears of being teased, searching for friendship, and trying to figure out his own identity lead to some misbehaving and other middle-school mishaps. Peppered by well-meaning parental inquiries, Lonnie tries to keep his complicated feelings to himself, but his avatar, a expressively simple single-color outline, pops up between panels to reveal what the conflicted kid is really thinking. When Lonnie's persistent dad makes a point of making a special stop on their car trips to talk things through, their conversations--on topics ranging from sexual identity to comics to the potential benefits of family therapy--aren't always easy, but they ultimately unfold a road map toward better understanding. With paneled art rendered in strong colors and bold outlines, experienced comics creator Lindell packs this engaging, relatable tale with plenty of heart and resonant insights, showing that a car trip can offer a journey of self-awareness and reconciliation.

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June 15, 2024
A middle schooler struggles to handle changes in his life. As much as Lonnie loves living with his mom and sister, he misses his dad. Since his parents' divorce, Lonnie primarily spends time with Dad when he picks Lonnie up from school. Although he's embarrassed about the split, he's unable to share his feelings--even when his parents ask him how he's doing--until he can't hold everything in anymore. After getting in trouble at school, Lonnie finally reveals how much he wants life to go back to the way it was, but he still ends up in detention for getting back at a kid who mocked him for having divorced parents. Gradually Lonnie uses his time with Dad to be more open about his feelings and sexuality; he also expresses enthusiasm for comics and finds common ground with his father. When his parents mutually decide on family therapy, Lonnie is initially anxious but ultimately grows into healthier relationships and self-expression. The graphic novel format, with its clean backgrounds and bright colors, effectively conveys the variety of emotions the family members experience, and the many wordless panels propel the story forward. Time spent with various configurations of the family riding in cars together nicely captures their dynamics (particularly the father-and-son tensions); with the characters facing forward in their seats, Lindell can highlight their expressions. Lonnie and his family are Black. A successful blending of text and image that results in engaging storytelling. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

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November 15, 2024

Gr 4-6-Lindell's middle grade debut deftly navigates the relationship between a father and son during car rides. Elementary-age Lonnie's parents recently divorced, and his insecurities about it follow him as he waits to be picked up by his dad after school. Lonnie, a young artist, does not necessarily want to talk about the things on his mind, but over several rides, Lonnie and his father begin mending their relationship. Lonnie's conversations with his dad feel natural, and topics such as divorce, sexuality, family, and friends are presented in a relatable way. The story does not shy away from challenging both Lonnie's and his father's viewpoints, while also providing space for both to learn. The artwork in its simplicity welcomingly invites readers into the car. Panels with a focus on character facial expressions and perspective create the movement of rapport and natural pauses; this works in tandem with Lonnie's internal thoughts and feelings, drawn as outlines of himself in a variety of colors such as red, orange, blue, and yellow. Lonnie and his family are Black, and the book features a cast with a variety of skin tones. The humor and art style make this a perfect pick for fans of Jerry Craft's New Kid or Jonathan Todd's Timid. VERDICT With humor, sensitivity, and a clean art style, this is a recommended first purchase for all collections.-Rachel Johannigmeier

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