ALA Booklist (Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2011)

When she moves with her parents to Brooklyn from western Virginia, teen artist Paige learns how to respond to an array of anxieties in her adolescent life. Not only does she begin to take her art seriously; she steps out of her habitual shyness to make friends, confront her mother about her disguise of contentment, and relax enough to respond to romantic overtures from a new peer. Flowing in dynamic unity with the text, Gulledge's art is a delight: metaphor and simile are intertwined visually with realistic scenes of Paige at the museum, in school, and hanging out in the park and in coffee shops with her new buddies. Although the book is in black and white, the many references to color light the mind's eye rather than frustrate through its physical absence on the page. Paige serves as a reflection of and inspiration to readers who might see themselves as nascent artists, shy introverts ready to blossom, or youths on the brink of maturity. An excellent crossover suggestion for a wider range of readers than just graphic-novel fans.

Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Following the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill, eleven-year-old aspiring ornithologist and "bird artist" Bouler created paintings in exchange for donations to the clean-up effort. Here she shares her love of birding, her own conservation efforts, and ways for others to take action. Though content is a little sparse, the book's message and design--including impressive original sketches--will successfully reach young environmentalists. Websites.

Kirkus Reviews

A sweet coming-of-age graphic novel about an artistic introvert. Sixteen-year-old Paige Turner (a product of writer parents, though that still doesn't forgive the somewhat cruel moniker) is a recent transplant to Brooklyn from rural Virginia. Lonely and aloof, she decides to take her passion—art—to a new level and follow the rules that her grandmother (also an artist) lived by. Paige luckily falls in with a group of similarly artistic kids, and they become a tight circle. In this bunch, Paige meets Gabe, a handsome young writer whose love for the written word rivals her love for art. The group spends their days wandering the city, improvising thoughtful, random acts of art that they hope will touch those around them. In a story-within-a-story, readers are made privy to Paige's sketchbook, exposing with her innermost thoughts, even as they join her quest for identity and belonging. Paige's sketches are soft and expressive, and Gulledge does an admirable job of providing insight into Paige's musings, creating a very intimate ambiance for this well-fleshed-out character. The artist masterfully commands her piece, creating a cohesive and fluid work that cascade smoothly along. Teens are sure to relate to this wallflower who blooms—gloriously. (Graphic fiction. 13 & up)

School Library Journal (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Gr 7 Up-When 16-year-old Paige is transplanted from Virginia to Brooklyn, her sketchbook is her only friend. She commits to draw a few pages each week, "No more excuses." This is her vehicle for self-exploration as she finds her place in a new environment. Her sketchbook spans a period of eight months and is divided into a set of nine "rules," and includes images of herself and her quest to answer the question, "Who am I?" The journal chronicles her developing friendships, a budding romance, her relationship with her mother, and her increasing ability to take risks and to explore new means of expressing herself. The book's trim size allows for ample visual expression and development of concepts. Realistic black-and-white drawings and excellent use of panel size, placement, and pacing add to the book's appeal. Gulledge is a master of both words and images. She brilliantly portrays poignant emotions: twisting ink falling from Paige's head as she searches for ideas, carrying her heart through an expanse of banana peels, her sneakers in a crowd of Ugg boots, a mouth stitched shut, and her silhouette from the rooftop with the Big Dipper appearing to fall from her handall make her loneliness palpable. Gulledge's turns of phrase are equally intriguing. Terms such as "agents of whimsy," "clickage," and "fluent in Paige" give equal weight to both imaginative text and image. The illustration for "I am a redhead island" is spot-on. This self-deprecating, humorous, and heartfelt story will resonate with readers. Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY