The Year I Stopped Drawing: An Illustrated Novel-in-Verse
by Grant Snider
Page Count: 312 pages
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary Novel in Verse
Date Read: November 1st-2nd
Publication Date: November 1st-2nd
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review:
I love Grant Snider's illustration style very much. Many of his other books are some of my favorites including: Poetry Comics which I love. He is someone I actively follow on social media and I was excited to get an early copy of this book to review.This is a novel-in-verse with his illustrations throughout the entire book. It follows a middle-schooler named Adam who is dealing with his parents fighting all the time, because of his father's alcoholism. Adam also has growing feelings of self-doubt. Everything is changing for him as he starts seventh grade. Then he decides to give up drawing because he doesn't feel like he is the best at it anymore when a new girl joins his class, who is also an artist. The story follows his entire school year and his journey to self-discovery.
The Year I Stopped Drawing is a relatable book for any age. I believe we all have had at least one moment in our life where we began to doubt ourselves. Middle school is a hard enough time in an adolescent's life and Adam is also dealing with his brother leaving for college, a bully, not feeling like he is good enough, and his parents' fighting.
Grant Snider's art is fantastic and goes along with the story perfectly. I love how we get Adam's thoughts through the poetry and also the illustrations. Such a great way to tell an artist's story. It was wonderful to experience him finding his way again. I particularly loved the ending.
A great story about growing up, finding one's place in the world, and embracing your imperfections. It would be a good read for younger and many older readers alike.
*Thank you Amulet Books, Grant Snider, and NetGalley for my ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
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