Meet Suee: Twelve years old, wears her hair to the left in a point, favors a black dress, has no friends—and she likes it that way! When Suee transfers to the dull and ordinary Outskirts Elementary, she doesn’t expect to hear a strange voice speaking to her from the darkness of the school’s exhibit room, and she certainly doesn’t expect to see her shadow come to life. Then things start to get really weird: One by one, her classmates at school turn into zombie-like, hollow-eyed Zeroes. While Suee investigates why this is happening, her shadow gains power. Soon, Suee must confront a stunning secret that her shadow has been hiding under her own two feet—something very dark and sinister that could put Suee and her newfound friends at risk!
This graphic novel is an odd mix of the life of a middle school misfit, ghost story, and episode of Scooby Doo (I'd have gotten away with it if not for you meddling kids!).
Most of the artwork is black and white interspersed with occasional color panels. I received an early ARC, so I'm not sure whether the final book will have more color or not, but I really think the monotone artwork was perfect for the narrative.
I enjoyed reading this book quite a lot, but was surprised how dark and surreal it was (especially for younger readers). Heavy with alienation, powerless (or straight up malign) adults, bullying, evil shadows etc. It seemed somewhat slanted toward middle readers but I think it would be rather scary and possibly confusing for most grade schoolers. Three stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
