Book #3: Skim

Skim is a graphic novel that I saw in the library and just grabbed out of interest. Written by Toronto-based Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin Jillian, it's the story of Kim, who is called Skim by her friends (as she says in explanation of the name, "Because I'm not," referring to the fact she's overweight). It's high school life in the early 90s, when the school scandal of a popular girl whose boyfriend breaks up with her — before killing himself — eventually collides with Kim's own personal turmoil and confusion. It's a book that looks at all of the pressures of high school life, including depression, sexuality, popularity (or lack thereof) and what a confusing time it can be all around. In other words, the perfect book for Buffy fans. It's a quiet book, but very well done.