Big Apple Diaries

Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez is a playfully illustrated graphic memoir that takes the form of journal entries by Bermudez's instantly empathetic middle-school self as she navigates tweenhood and the tragedy of 9/11.

Alyssa is "very shy," has "no boobs yet" and "really likes drawing." She also secretly likes Alejandro. He's from Colombia, Alyssa is half Puerto Rican, and both tweens feel that/;  they have no freedom. Rules set by her mom (who lives in Queens) and dad (who lives in Manhattan) mean Alyssa's social life is nonexistent. "[Mom] told me I have to put my grades before my friends," Alyssa writes. Unfortunately, focusing is impossible when Alejandro is so distracting ("He said, 'Hola lol!' Is that flirting?!"). Also, she wants to have fun with her classmates, but when she makes mistakes with them, her parents ground her: "I just feel really sad, ugly, and lonely." Then tragedy strikes and, after 9/11, the freedom Alyssa wants seems especially out of reach.

Bermudez convincingly captures the chaos of middle school. Throughout, particularly via her memories of 9/11, Bermudez demonstrates how support--from friends, parents, strangers--lends strength. Handwritten diary entries are interspersed with charming digital drawings. The inky, monochromatic renderings add flair by illustrating Bermudez's worries and hopes; through creative closeups and periodic panel usage, they also dramatize standout moments--among them, mistakes (shaving her "kissing caterpillar" eyebrows), daydreams (a comic-style Alejandro fan fiction) and monumental AIM conversations. While exploring her identity ("Am I too white?"; "What do I actually even like about Alejandro?") Alyssa exudes wit, flare and personality, showing how second-guessing oneself is part of self-discovery. Big Apple Diaries is a beautiful snapshot of preteen life. --Samantha Zaboski, freelance editor and reviewer

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