Delicates by Brenna Thummler

Vol 2 of Sheets

Summer is coming to a close for Marjorie and Wendell almost a full year after they first meet.  Marjorie is about to go into eighth grade, and she is feeling a little uneasy.  After being a social outcast all of seventh grade year, her former bully Tessi and her friends have made it their mission to make Marjorie popular.  The eighth grade class also has a repeater student - Eliza, the daughter of the PE/Student Government teacher, Mr. Duncan, who "isn't quite ready for high school," according to her dad.  Eliza is obsessed with "ghost photography," and strives to capture the supernatural with her old-style camera.  Eliza increasingly feels like a ghost amongst her peers - she's outcast, made fun of, and hardly ever invited to any social gatherings.  Her obsession with ghosts makes her the laughing stock of the school.  Marjorie's social obligations and school work leaves her with less time to hang out with her other-worldy pals, so Wendell starts sneaking out.  He runs into Eliza, who doesn’t recognize Wendell as a ghost. 

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The conflicts Eliza goes through, as well as the social pressures Marjorie feels, are similar to the struggles many middle school students go through.  Eliza's struggle will hopefully encourage others to reach out for help, or to help others who might be going through some difficult times.  These heavy topics are mixed with a dose of friendly paranormal activity to lighten the mood in what would otherwise be a thoroughly sad story. 

Thummler’s illustrations heavily rely on a pastel palette that makes use of yellows and other bright colors to draw the eye in.  Her landscapes are beautifully drawn, almost like a photo put through a heavy Instagram filter.  Characters features are stylized and less detailed.  There are several nods to 90s fashion throughout the character designs of both books, so hopefully those aren't completely lost on modern audiences.

Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-8

This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.  This graphic novel will be on sale March 16, 2021. 

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1

Tags: Rating: 7/10, Suitability: Elementary School. Suitability: Middle School, Graphic Literature, Mental Health, School Age