Will & Whit
by Laura Lee Gulledge
Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Wilhelmina (Will) has been living with her Aunt Elsie (Ella) since her parents died last year. They live in Will’s grandparents’ house (they are also deceased) and will helps Ella run the family Antique shop, which is next door. Will finds distraction and relief from the loss of her parents through the creation of lamps – her grandpa taught her basic wiring – which she makes and sells. Even though she’s 17, Will is still terribly afraid of the dark. Over the summer, a terrible storm – Whitney – passes through town and causes a power outage that lasts several days. Will and her friends have to find new ways to entertain themselves when their usual outlets (video games, cooking, internet, phones, etc.) are no longer available to them. They get involved with a group of teens who are putting on a carnival – Will does the lighting, and Autumn and Reese help with the puppet show. New friendships are made, fears are overcome, and love is in the air by the time the power comes back on. Will is a strong, distinctive character with some unusual skills – very likable. Side stories involving her friends and their relationship woes add interest without becoming overly dramatic or gossipy (leave the gossip to Reese!). Fans of Laura Lee Gulledge’s “Page by Paige” and Raina Telgemeier’s “Smile” and “Drama” should appreciate this down to earth, realistic graphic novel. Fun, fast read.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
