Dear Rosie by Meghan Boehman, Rachael Briner
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on July 11, 2023
ISBN: 059357186X
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

Millie and her friends have not yet processed the death of their friend Rosie. As they head back to school, they find themselves getting upset over little things like another student sitting in what had always been Rosie’s chair. They seem to be always arguing and spending less time together. Claire spends too much time talking with strangers online and runs away to meet her boyfriend. The group must come together to find Claire. Millie finds a sketchbook that may have been Rosie’s that helps her to find a way that she and her friends can remember Rosie. This gentle graphic novel uses animals – deer, mouse, fox, etc. – for the characters which serves to soften the heavy topic of loss and grief for younger readers. The classic signs of grief are illustrated by the friends as they experience depression, anger, poor decision-making, and ultimately something resembling acceptance. This is a beautiful book but not quite Cream as I think there may be a smaller audience than a typical graphic novel.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham