IllustratorsIllustrated by Jillian TamakiPublisherGroundwoodImprintGroundwoodISBN
9780888997531
Awards and HonorsKirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of 2008| 2008 New York Times 10 Best Illustrated Books| 2008 Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Comics; 2009 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults
"Skim" is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a would-be Wiccan goth who attends a private girls' school in Toronto. She has a broken arm, an increasingly distant best friend, and she thinks she is falling in love with her favorite teacher, Ms. Archer. When Kim's classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself, their entire school becomes obsessed with preventing suicide. Kim's classmates talk incessantly about taking care of one another and "celebrating life"-but all Kim gets is their disdain when she won't pretend to be happy. Graphic novel. Black-and-white art.
Summary When Katie’s ex-boyfriend (who may have been gay) kills himself and it seems Katie has tried to follow him, Skim’s exclusive girls school goes through a phase of touchy-feely introspection, which creeps out Skim and Lisa. Then Skim begins spending time alone with Ms. Archer, eventually falling in love with her, which leads to heartbreak when Ms. Archer abruptly breaks off the affair and leaves the school. As Lisa spends more and more time with the Girls Club for Life, she and Skim grow farther apart, leaving Skim to cope with her depression in isolation.
Topics Broken bones. Divorce. Break-ups. Witchcraft. Sex. Alcoholics anonymous. Suicide. Grief. Counseling. Smoking. Anger. Halloween. Sexuality. Parents. School clubs. The Tarot. Romeo and Juliet. Heartbreak. Birthday parties. Cruelty. Racism. Memorial ceremonies. Homosexuality. Depression. Dates. School dances. Emotional scars. Hair color. Friendship. Changes.
SRC Level 4.500000
SRC Points 6.000000
Trim Size 6 3/4" x 10"
Language English
JLG Release Date Apr 2008
Minimum grade 11
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
Mature Young Adult Plus
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
For Grades 11 & Up
Filled with stimulating nonfiction and can't-put-it-down fiction, this category is perfect for bridging the gap between young adult and adult reading. Take note: these 14 selections often contain mature situations and language that could be considered controversial.