Giant Days Vol. 2

Gr 10 Up—University freshman roommates Susan, Esther, and Daisy continue their high jinks in this follow-up to Allison's Giant Days. Collecting issues five to eight, this volume presents the highs and lows of the trio's last few months of their first semester. The friends search for the perfect dress for the Hall Ball while trying not to conform to gender roles. With the help of McGraw, Esther and Daisy rescue Susan from her townie nemesis during holiday break. And Susan tries desperately not to fail most of her classes, while falling for a handsome grad student. From heartaches and hookups to psychotic breaks and looming exams, the friends experience the gamut of first-year college life. The quirky characters' personalities shine through not only in the hilarious text and asides but also in the bright, effusive illustrations. Commentary on small-town life, gender politics, and religion gives this light graphic novel an added layer of nuance. The gem-tone colors are reminiscent of the work of Noelle Stevenson, Kate Beaton, and Raina Telgemeier, and older fans of those authors will certainly gravitate to this series. Suggestive sexual situations and the presence of drugs and alcohol will ensure that this title will be best appreciated by mature teens looking forward to their own undergraduate experiences.