Every Day: The Graphic Novel by David Levithan, Dion MBD
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593428986
Pages: 208
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

The graphic novel adaptation of the popular novel by the author David Levithan is a solid read. A is a body jumper who gets one day inside each body that they inhabit. The graphic novel takes one page to explain A’s body jumping before having them take over Justin, in whose body they meet Rhiannon. Since this is the very heart of the story, it does feel quick so it seems that knowledge of the prose novel, published in 2012, would enhance the reading of the graphic version. Those unfamiliar with the original novel will still enjoy this book, but it will take longer to get into the rhythm of the plot. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so hopefully the rest of the novels are going to be adapted as well.

The pages are printed on paper with a grain on it; this, in conjunction with black backgrounds, makes some of the pages dark and the illustrations a little less clear. Since A jumps into so many bodies, the challenge for illustrator Dion MBD is to make every character distinctive enough that the reader can see that A is in a new body. This is mostly accomplished, but in some situations, contextual clues are needed to determine who/where A is.

The book deals with mature themes like self-harm, drinking, and sex. Give this to readers who can handle issues and who enjoy romances like Alice Oseman’s “Heartstopper” or Molly Ostertag’s Girl From the Sea.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School