Paige Turner has just moved to New York with her family, and she?s having some trouble adjusting to the big city. In the pages of her sketchbook, she tries to make sense of her new life, including trying out her secret identity: artist. As she makes friends and starts to explore the city, she slowly brings her secret identity out into the open, a process that is equal parts terrifying and rewarding. Laura Lee Gulledge crafts stories and panels with images that are thought-provoking, funny, and emotionally resonant. Teens struggling to find their place can see themselves in Paige's honest, heartfelt story.Praise for Page by Paige“Gulledge's b&w illustrations are simple but well-suited to their subject matter; the work as a whole is a good-natured, optimistic portrait of a young woman evolving toward adulthood.” –Publishers Weekly “A sweet coming-of-age graphic novel about an artistic introvert. Paige’s sketches are soft and expressive, and Gulledge does an admirable job of providing insight into Paige’s musings, creating a very intimate ambiance for this well-fleshed-out character. The artist masterfully commands her piece, creating a cohesive and fluid work that cascade smoothly along. Teens are sure to relate to this wallflower who blooms—gloriously.” –Kirkus Reviews “Gulledge has crafted a protagonist who’s introspective with a capital I, and she conveys her character’s thoughts and emotions in ways that are fresh but never feel forced. That same easy, organic quality is found in the book’s design: the story panels and Paige’s sketches blend and interact effortlessly. It all makes for a truly fresh coming-of-age—graphic—novel.” –Horn Book “An elegant portrayal of the interactions of Paige’s external and internal states.” –Publishers Weekly
Initial thoughts: Absolutely love the artwork! The approach is very introspective and Paige's thoughts are laid out across the pages in a surrealistic style. This is further accentuated by metacomic moments as what she draws in her sketchbook is also the graphic novel itself. I'm usually very taken in by metafictive elements when done well, so props for that! The only thing that bothered me was the flat plot. I wasn't swept away by the story. But the individual moments were so strong and the characters distinctive that I still came to enjoy Page by Paige.
