ThunderBoom by Jack Briglio, Claudia Davila
on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 1525304968
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

Eleven year old Logan has a lot on his plate. He is scared of dogs, clowns and masks, and being lonely. On top of that, he is nonverbal and uses sign language to communicate with his family. When he loses his parents and sister at a parade, Logan must conjure up his alter-ego Thunderboom to help him navigate a perfect storm of fear and anxiety.

Based on the author’s son, who has Angelman syndrome, Logan gives us a glimpse into the world and family dynamics of people who are nonverbal. We see the strategies used by the family, the loving stress they can experience, and the support involved (especially in his very chill big sister who has unwavering faith in Logan and refuses to stress about him; she’s great).  The illustrations are bright and charming and move seamlessly from Logan’s world to Thunderboom’s world.

This is a terrific book with a much-needed protagonist and would be valuable in elementary or middle school libraries.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath