Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
Published by First Second on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1626722595
Pages: 289
Goodreads

In Mariko Tamaki’s latest graphic novel, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Freddy feels so lucky to be the girlfriend of the most popular girl in school. The problem is that Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her. And is maybe not the best girlfriend. Following the advice of her best friend, Doodle, she asks a relationship medium for help about what she should do. Freddy finds herself being drawn deeper and deeper into the relationship with Laura until she realizes that maybe the problem hasn’t been Laura–or at least it hasn’t only been Laura. Maybe she needs to work on herself and try to be a better friend, too.

Played out in stunningly detail black and white illustrations with touches of soft pink, the story unfolds to be as much about personal growth as it is about navigating relationships. The tension draws the reader forward, even as frustration with Freddy occasionally grows. Still, Freddy serves as an example of growth–showing how easy it is to mess a good thing up, and how hard it can be to work your way back.

Recommended for all teen graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.