Skim by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jilliam Tamaki

Tamaki, M. Illustrated by J. Tamaki. (2008). Skim. Toronto: Groundwood Books.
ISBN-10 1406321362
ISBN-13 978-1406321364
141 pgs
Format: Book
Genre: Realistic
Classification: Graphic novel
Age level: Young Adult

Reader's annotation
High school student Skim has been feeling a little down. She doesn’t quite fit in at her private girls high school but life begins to look up when she forms a close relationship with her free-spirited drama teacher, Ms. Archer.

Summary
This beautifully drawn graphic novel tells the story of love, loss, depression and friendship among students at an all-girls private high school in Toronto. Kim, known as Skim, is a sensitive girl who is learning about Wicca, and hangs out with her best friend Lisa. Skim forms a close relationship to her drama teacher Ms. Archer, and begins to fall in love with her. Suddenly, Ms. Archer pulls away from her friendship with Kim and leaves her job at the school. Skim is confused, heartbroken and hurt, and finds an unexpected connection with a fellow student whose life is upended when her boyfriend commits suicide. The author and the illustrator are cousins and their words and images flow together seamlessly in this story about how first love can change your life, for good and for bad.

Notes
This is an absorbing graphic novel that will appear to teen girls. The frames are so realistically drawn that they pull you into the story easily. While rather melancholy, the novel rings true to life and Skim is a sympathetic character.