Author: Michel Rabagliati
Translated by Helge Dascher
Publisher: Chris Oliveros
Copyright: 2003
VOYA Review:
When readers first meet Paul, he is an exaggerated teenager-fed up with school, living at home with his parents, and mad at the world. A phone call from a friend, however, changes all that. With almost no notice, he is off to a camp for disadvantaged kids run by a young, chinstrap beard-bearing Catholic priest. The counselors, barely out of childhood themselves, approach their task with vitality and innocence. Beaten up, second-hand tarps become tents, and an easy camaraderie replaces posturing and competition. Stereotypes slowly disappear as Paul's initial disgust with his shabby surroundings turns into an appreciation of nature and his co-counselor, Annie. By far the standout feature in this graphic novel is Rabagliati's drawings. They rescue a so-so story line and offer characters that are more expressive and more subtle than the usual fare. Emotions are more clearly understood when viewed, rather than explained, and the depiction of background scenery really draws the reader into rural Quebec in the 1970s. Paul and Annie's romance is sweetly depicted and includes many of the misunderstandings and hard feelings that plague teen love. The consummation of their feelings for one another is delicately implied rather than drawn out for the reader. The same, sadly, cannot be said for the few in number but oddly gratuitous moments of nudity that do occur in the story-sure to elicit more than a few giggles from the stacks among young adult readers. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P M J G (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; ~G). 2003, Drawn & Quarterly, G145p,
Review:
After quitting a job at the print shop, Paul is looking for a new start. Disgruntled by the mundane facts of life, "eat, work, sleep", Paul is seeking a change in his daily routine. Given up on school after flunking out twice, Paul is adamant about working, yet he is still living at home and has seemingly no goals or plans. He gets a call from his friend, Guy Cayer, out of the blue, who offers him a job as a counselor, which he accepts without hesitation. Guy asks Paul to join his counselor crew at a camp he’s put together for disadvantaged kids. Paul figures anything is better than printing, so he takes to the woods, envisioning fresh air, peaceful lakes, and hot chicks. His co-counselor, Annie, is pretty hot, but the mosquitoes, overly curious wildlife and crying kids almost put him over the edge. But things start looking up when Paul figures out how to tie a decent rock-climbing knot, bandage skinned elbows, and talk to Annie like a grown-up. This is a sweet and understated story about first jobs and first loves and what goes into making the kind of summer memories you never forget. I think teens will tuck this one into their duffle bags beside the bug spray and flashlight next summer.
Favorite Quote: "There you are, in the middle of nowhere, with a group of people you like, and suddenly, you lift off. Without noticing it, you're in a bubble. You become one with the world around you, and everything else just fades away."
Reading Level: Beginner readers
Notes about Audience: Recommended for ages 12-15, or ages 12 and up.
Other books by Michel Rabagliati:
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