The Happy Shop

Gr 4-7–Adjusting to a new town, Darcy struggles to embrace her nice life while missing her friends who are now in a different time zone. Stumbling upon the Happy Shop, she breaks a jar, tarnishing a first impression with one of the owners. To repay her debt, Darcy begins working at the Happy Shop, learning more about the happiness they are selling to customers. When Darcy tries to go rogue and bottle up sadness in an attempt to help her mom feel grateful, she realizes that the Happy Shop could benefit from broadening its stock to include feelings other than happiness. Through plot development, this graphic novel demonstrates the value of diversity and inclusiveness. The vibrant, comic-style illustrations will appeal to fans of graphic novels. Readers of all ages will find ways to relate to Darcy, as this coming-of-age graphic novel addresses the stress of financial burdens, the weight of loneliness, the fear of trying something new, and various other universal experiences. Through her characterization of the shop owners, Olsen emphasizes the value of honoring tradition, but more importantly, adjusting longstanding ways of life to address today’s world and challenges.