My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder by Nie Jun
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512445908
Pages: 128
Goodreads

This graphic novel filled with little vignettes of Yu’er and her grandpa illustrates the magic of daily life and is beautiful, both in content and in presentation. Just flipping through the pages, one feels the warmth of the watercolor illustrations and the devotion of Grandpa to his little granddaughter. Set in a hutong neighborhood in Beijing, Yu’er has a disability that prevents her from walking and Grandfather cares for her, showing her that she should not be limited by her disability and telling her stories that connect her to her family and her culture. With touches of magical realism, this GN offers a window into another place that will delight elementary and middle grade readers.

Note about publication: First published in China in 2016,  this book has been translated by Edward Gauvin and brought to American audiences by Graphic Universe, a division of Lerner Publishing.  Lerner offers a library binding and a paperback version, which is much less money.  If you have the funds, purchase the library binding as the book paper is thick and the book heavy; a paperback binding will not last for many circulations.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth