Juliet Takes a Breath (Graphic Novel)

 

My Thoughts:

This is the graphic novel adaptation of Juliet Takes A Breath by Gabby Rivera. The lush, sexy artwork, as well as the topic and situations are not for middle school tween readers, however, this coming of age story should still be available to young, queer teens searching for literature that speaks to some of the unasked questions, insecurities and awkwardness within themselves. Queer or not, we all spend our lives searching for ourselves in books, so this is a must have for your shelf. 

As teachers of middle level and high school students, we must be brave. We must show the kind of courage that allows vulnerability to be an asset rather than a weakness. We must create safe spaces. We must be trustworthy and courageous. Most importantly, we must continue to create opportunities for our students to practice their rising skills. This graphic novel will help someone in your class to practice their rising skills. Juliet takes her blows, spends a little time mourning, and then rises again. She rises again.

The most important thing I hope readers get from this is that they do not need to be empowered by anyone else. They just need to come into their own "amazing self." 

From the publisher:

Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But don’t worry, Juliet has something kinda resembling a plan that’ll help her figure out what it means to be Puerto Rican, lesbian and out. See, she’s going to intern with Harlowe Brisbane - her favorite feminist author, someone whose last work on feminism, self-love and lots of other things will help Juliet find her ever elusive epiphany.  There’s just one problem—Harlowe’s white, not from the Bronx and doesn’t have the answers. Okay, maybe that’s more than one problem but Juliet never said it was a perfect plan...

Critically-acclaimed writer Gabby Rivera adapts her bestselling novel alongside artist Celia Moscote in an unforgettable queer coming-of-age story exploring race, identity and what it means to be true to your amazing self. Even when the rest of the world doesn’t understand.