School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 4–7— With touches of magical realism, a slice-of-life road trip story gradually transforms into a profound journey of loss, grief, guilt, and healing. Pia, a withdrawn and guarded middle schooler, embarks on a bus tour through a desert landscape, stopping by quirky roadside attractions en route to a luminous underground lake said to have mysterious—even miraculous—properties. Every traveler on the tour has their own reasons for seeking out this lake, and Pia's secret hope to resolve a family tragedy unfolds through a series of flashbacks. Through deftly crafted plotting and pacing, the emotional tension increases incrementally as each part of Pia's story is revealed. Readers will root for her as she processes her pain, finds solace and friendship among her fellow travelers, and begins to move toward acceptance. Thoughtfully sparse dialogue is paired with expressive line drawings to create a thoroughly absorbing and emotionally resonant reading experience. An effective use of color conveys setting and mood: While road trip scenery is awash in vibrant colors, Pia's lonely motel nights are rendered in somber grays, and flashbacks are indicated by a muted palette. Extensive back matter includes an author's note and several pages detailing her artistic process. Pia is of Asian descent; other characters on the road trip represent a variety of ethnicities and ages. VERDICT Endearing, heartbreaking, and uplifting in turns, Fong's unforgettable debut is a first purchase for youth graphic novel collections.— Allison Tran

ALA Booklist (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

On a sightseeing bus tour of the desert, a sorrowing tween girl seeks distraction and solace while secretly hoping for a miracle at a legendary underground lake. En route to this final destination, Pia and an appealing gaggle of idiosyncratic fellow tourists visit wacky attractions like the World's Smallest Corn Maze, Prickly Park (a Cactus Cruise), and the Stairway to Nowhere. Sepia-toned flashback scenes reveal Pia's family struggling after her younger brother's drowning, an accident for which she feels responsible. Through her growing friendship with the irrepressible Sam, and in connecting with the personal journeys of her fellow travelers, Pia ultimately finds the redemption she needs from the magical lake. The quirky, wryly humorous vibe of Fong's distinctive and charming art suggests Roz Chast channeling Chris Ware ing a simple line, uncomplicated shapes, and mostly flat colors, the accomplished illustrator deftly evokes a world both spare and nuanced, just right for this graphic novel fable. With its humor and poignancy mixed with moments of real magic, readers will find Pia's pilgrimage both hilarious and uplifting.

Publishers Weekly (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

To take her mind off changing family dynamics, middle schooler Pia Xing goes on a bus tour to visit quirky roadside attractions in this solo graphic novel debut by Fong (How to Be a Person). Pia has been obsessing over mystical Lake Cessarine ever since she heard about it following a tragic accident. She’s excited when her grieving father gifts her tickets for a tour of curious attractions, including the World’s Smallest Corn Maze and the World’s Largest Melon, which will end at Lake Cessarine. Though a broken leg prohibits him from going, Pia embarks with a promise of safety from a family friend. As the bus tour commences, Pia likens the trip to “being part of a big family” and befriends fellow attendees, depicted with varying skin tones, including the tour guide’s daughter, Sam Martins. Throughout the tour, Fong inserts flashbacks in reverse chronological order that detail Pia’s accumulating traumas and her hopes for Lake Cessarine. Cartoony illustrations depict increasingly surreal scenery along the route, highlighting Pia’s disconnect with her surroundings. Still, Pia remains hopeful, and her trip serves as a meditation on grief, a catalyst for healing, and a reminder of the importance of friendship, family, and connection. Ages 8–12. (Mar.)