Chiggers

Title: Chiggers

Author: Hope Larson

Pages: 171

Genre: Graphic novel

Recommended to: Tweens and teens ages 11-15

Rating: B

Abby is going back to summer for camp for what seems like the billionth summer. There, she'll meet up with her best camp pals: Rose, who is an assistant counselor and Beth, who is a black and rock music lover. But this year, things have changed. Rose is acting like she's too good to be Abby's friend, and Beth has found a new, seemingly better sidekick. So when the new girl, Shasta, arrives at camp with her bags and a mysterious secret (or two) and clings on to Abby, Abby's happy for the friend (even if her other former chums despise Shasta). Combine all that drama with a spooky campout, an odd and creepy light that seems to be attracted to her new best friend, a cute boy named Teal who shares the same interests with Abby, and Shasta's life possibly being in danger...

OK, I admit it: I guess I was kind of assuming that Chiggers was going to be like any other "comic book": kind of shallow, maybe, with funny jokes and an easy-to-follow plot. If you think that this novel is just a light, breezy little book of pictures, think again. You'll be surprised. The illustrations are gorgeous, the plot has a whole other side to it which makes it deeper then just a novel about camp, and the whole storyline makes sense.

Even though this "graphic novel" was a quick read, I found myself thoroughly impressed with Hope Larson's beautiful and expressive art that seem to light up every page. I felt like I myself was sharing the mystical camp experience with Abby and her pals. Engrossing, artistic, and fun, Chiggers isn't your ordinary novel: it's practically a work of art!

   Many thanks to Hope Larson for sending me a copy of her book!(: I loved it! Click here and here to view a page from Chiggers.