SQUISHED

SQUISHED by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

I don't normally post on the weekends, but after not being able to squeeze a post in yesterday due to a busy day, here goes.

Squished is the newest graphic novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter. (This is the same duo that wrote Allergic.)

Avery Lee is 11-years-old and has six siblings. Between the title of the book and my opening sentence, I think you have a pretty good idea where this is going! She's feeling "squished" or maybe we should say "lost" within her own family. There's a lot of responsibility helping to care for her younger siblings. Her relationship with her older brother (whom she used to be close to) is a little rough. She desires a room of her own for a little peace and quiet and a space to do her art. Now, her mom has just announced she's going back to work and interviewing for a job on the other side of the country. Avery is definitely feeling "squished." This isn't where we start to bash large families. (In case you haven't caught on, I have 5 kids!) In fact, I have known kids to feel lost in families of 2s and 3s for many reasons. While the love and strong family bonds are felt from the start of this book, there is a definite point where Avery turns a corner and realizes the value of her family, difficulties and all. It's a great lesson learned.

HEADS UP- Just a couple of minor bumps. At one point Avery mutters that she hates her brother. She is also gets in to an argument with her mother. Both are resolved and relationships restored.