Page By Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge

Page By Paige

by Laura Lee Gulledge

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

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

4 of 5 stars

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Can't wait to share this with my daughter

I love the art, characters, and story.
Causes The Feels. Adorable innocent dating.
Love and respect how Jules's private issue was handled.
Beware the use of "exotic" to describe people. Thankfully only once.
Touching mother-daughter moments. The metaphor about the dots and the lines was brilliant.

As a quiet introvert who moved in my teen years, this spoke to me. As the mother of a shy artist, I hope this inspires her to step out of her shell and listen when we compliment her work.

As I'll be telling my daughter though, somethings that sound or look like typical teenage angst is deeper than that. Paige meantions her social anxiety and the worrying issues. Some have minor instances they can overcome. Some will struggle with it their whole lives in therapy and on medication. You are not a failure if you can't improve yourself on your own like Paige. And as Paige discovers, asking for help isn't a weakness or failure.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 May, 2017: Finished reading
  • 11 May, 2017: Reviewed