Review by Booklist Review
In this coming-of-age story, Black girl Artemis Irvin deals with troubles that a lot of other eighth graders might be able to identify with--racist bullies at school, an overprotective mom, and a father who died before she was born. But one night Artie discovers a more unique challenge: she's descended from werewolves. While the story handles the traditional clash of werewolves and vampires with a few fascinating twists, the relationships are the heart of this graphic novel. Secrets from the past still haunt Artie's mom, and meeting other werewolves brings up old wounds. In the end, all the characters discover that they are stronger together. Natural landscapes provide a gorgeous backdrop for the story, and nighttime scenes, when not full of threatening vampires, are cozy with moments between Artie and her new friend and crush, Maya. Stephens' use of color is particularly striking, using red to highlight the werewolves' supernatural abilities and to emphasize their passion and power. A wonderful tale of friendship, family, and forgiveness.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In Oregon, Black eighth grader Artemis "Artie" Irvin lives with her park ranger mother and attends Rosedale Middle School, where she spends much of her time in her school's darkroom, developing photos she's taken with her late father's camera and avoiding her racist, bullying white classmates. When an illicit late-night jaunt for full moon photographs results in Artie seeing a wolf outside her house, her world is swiftly upended, particularly once the wolf transforms back into her mother. As late bloomer Artie learns about her ancestors, she soon realizes she has a heightened sense of smell, and eventually transforms into a werewolf herself. Meeting fellow Black werewolves from her mother's hometown--including Maya, a new friend and crush--Artie discovers more about the father she never knew, as well as the wolves' sworn enemies. Debut graphic novelist Stephens offers boldly outlined, dynamic full-color art, with lovable, distinct, and expressive Black characters and sweepingly cinematic panel progression. This vibrant, fast-paced werewolf tale rejuvenates the genre with themes of Black family, community, and history, offering accessible dialogue and reimagining the folklore of werewolves with a striking premise that has a tremendous payoff. Ages 12--up. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5--8--When Artie disobeys her mom and sneaks out after dark to photograph a full moon, she discovers that her mother is a werewolf--and so is Artie. They return to her mom's hometown, home to a werewolf pack, so Artie can learn about her history. She soon realizes that there are things more sinister than werewolves and uncovers details about her father's disappearance while making new friendships and love interests. This exciting, plot-driven story will appeal to young teens struggling to find themselves and fit in. While Artie's quick acceptance that her mother is a werewolf seems a bit unbelievable, readers will easily overlook it. Artie is well developed; the supporting characters are less fleshed out but help move the action forward. The complicated family history and dynamics among some of the adults are genuine and relatable. The full-color, realistic illustrations are appealing, and the palette helps establish the tone for the different settings. Artie and her mother are Black. VERDICT Fans of graphic novels, realistic fiction, and the paranormal will all find something to enjoy in this book. Suggest it to those who devoured Emma Steinkellner's The Okay Witch.--Ellen Conlin, Naperville P.L., IL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A girl discovers she comes from a family of werewolves, starting her on a path to discovering her own abilities and history. Black eighth grader Artemis "Artie" Irvin doesn't really fit in with the kids at her mostly White school, where she is mocked and bullied. She devotes her time to developing photos she takes on her deceased father's old film camera, which helps her feel closer to him. All that changes after she sneaks out for a nighttime photo shoot during a full moon and runs into a wolf. Calling her mom for help, she instead sees her mother transform from wolf to human before her eyes. Soon after, her powers show themselves, and her own wolf training begins. Artie's mother reaches out to a community of Black werewolves who are old friends for help. As Artie trains with them, she develops ties to those like her--and something more with her friend and crush, Maya. She also learns about the origins and culture of werewolves and the history of her parents' relationship. But danger lurks nearby, and Artie must stay alert. Stephens' art leaps off the page, from the beautiful scenery to the celebration of characters' Black features. Throughout, the panels are expertly used to create tension in dramatic moments and excitement that showcases the joyous ones. Readers looking for a story of discovery and healing wrapped in the paranormal will hit the jackpot. A stirring, eye-catching portrayal of growth. (Graphic paranormal. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
