Reviewed by Karen Hendriks
Author Cassandra Calin posts comics about her daily life online and has over 3.5 million followers on social media. She is a cartoonist, illustrator and author based in Montreal but is originally from Romania. She has a BA in Graphic Design. Her work is inspired by her real-life experiences. She has illustrated books for Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Hinkler Books and Affirm Press. She is the illustrator/author of this graphic novel which is inspired by her own immigration experience. The New Girl is a comically charming story about change and acceptance.
Lia and her family are waiting to board their flight to Canada leaving family, friends and Romania behind when the unthinkable happens. Lia experiences the pain and discomfort of her first period at the most awkward time. In Canada her whole world is turned upside down. Everything is different and Lia struggles, wondering if she will ever find herself again.
Cassandra Calin’s writing is strong, real, honest and heartfelt. There’s no going back now. Goodbye old life. Hello new one. She creates a strong reader connection to the story. The dialogue grabs your attention, and it reflects her characters ages well. I think a standout is that the story really feels like twelve/thirteen-year-olds speaking. Because French is spoken in Montreal it is cleverly layered into the text and the way someone learning a new language speaks. Since she usually sits with Wan Yin at lunch. I’m not taking chance.
I love the use of both internal and external dialogue. What’s up with the same letter having four different accents but sounding exactly the same? The text is relatable for its intended readership. The language is spot on and so is the characterisation of the age groups from grandparents, parents, younger brother and friends. The relationships within the family and with friends reflect real life experience and this shines through in the text.
Once I started reading, I really didn’t want to stop and kept on page turning. The chapters are well balanced with great headings. I love how the connection to the grandparents and family in Romania is not broken as they Facetime and chat. Socials are mentioned and add to the relevance of the text today. The story is about migration, but also about change and leaving childhood behind and becoming a teenager.
Calin’s illustrations have really captured the angst of growing and changing. The visual voice is strong and complements the written word beautifully. The characterisation has that comic strip feel. There are pages that are textless and moments where the reader really feels like they are inside the story. For example, when Lia is looking at her student card in her hand and the text says This photo is terrible! The interplay between the two is wonderful. The stuffing of tissues galore into her underwear when she unexpectedly gets her period is a visual that really shines a light on period problems and the big adjustments that are made by girls once they get their periods. Lia’s hectic life is showcased with the crowded panels as she juggles many things at once. There is a manga influence and that appeals to readers of graphic novels.
The New Girl is a graphic novel that is great for Grades 4-8. It has such appeal, and it is not just a story because it helps tweens/early teens understand that what they experience and develops empathy and understanding. I’m sure it will find its way onto many bookshelves
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