Your Turn, Adrian

In this Swedish graphic novel, somber pencil drawings by Lidström introduce Adrian, a boy who daydreams in color about circus acrobatics but is defeated by school. First, a bully steals and ruins his hat; then his teacher asks him to read, and he freezes. Scenes at home make it clear that the family is stretched thin, but there's genuine love between father and son. One day, Adrian meets Heidi, a huge wire-haired dog he finds wandering about, her leash still attached. He revels in her quiet companionship, and her love makes the impossible possible: "I could feel Heidi's soft fur. The words came to me. I was reading." Soon afterward, Heidi's owner takes her back, and Adrian is bereft. But another twist leads to a gratifying reunion and shared interests. Text by Öberg, ably translated by Apelqvist, is crystalline in its economy. Full-color spreads of happy moments punctuate the dreary gray of everyday reality, especially in Adrian's dream world, in which his tumbling form is liberated from earthly cares. The creators draw a convincing portrait of a boy whose lucky break gives provides a sense of redemption and relief. Ages 7-10. (May)

Gr 2-5-Originally published in Sweden as Din tur, Adrian in 2015, this graphic novel tells the story of a young boy who encounters problems at school. Adrian is bullied, and he struggles to connect with other children. When he is called on to read by a teacher, he freezes, unable to make out the words. His vivid daydreams about joining the circus offer an escape. But everything changes when Adrian finds a lost dog, whom he names Heidi. She becomes his companion and eases his anxiety, following him everywhere he goes. The book is divided into three short chapters, and minimal sentences and speech bubbles make the text accessible for struggling readers. Striking illustrations convey Adrian's state of mind; spare pencil drawings depict stress and unhappiness, while his inner life and interactions with Heidi are shown in vibrant, full-page layouts. This sweet, short story is an effective resource for students with learning disabilities, as well as those experiencing bullying or anxiety, though the simple plot may not have wide appeal to a larger audience. VERDICT A sensitive portrayal of a boy experiencing isolation; a worthwhile secondary purchase for libraries serving middle grade audiences.-Kathryn Justus, Renbrook School, West Hartford, CT