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    Ditching Saskia

    Author John Moore
    Illustrated by Neetols
    Paperback
    $19.99 US
    Flying Eye Books Ltd. | Flying Eye Books
    6.44"W x 8.88"H x 0.66"D   | 16 oz | 20 per carton
    On sale Oct 01, 2024 | 192 Pages | 9781838741556
    Age 12 and up | Grade 7 & Up
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    A heart-warming, supernatural slice-of-life graphic novel that gently weaves together tough, everyday themes of identity, grief, and accepting flaws in those we love the most.

    Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out – but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn’t need her hanging around trying to ‘help’ him with his crush – but Saskia’s suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amid grief, where someone’s flaws might be the reason you love them the most.
    Featured in Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews in their Top 10 Young Adult Comics and Graphic Novels - Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews

    ‘This is a touching story dealing with a multitude of feelings, from loss, frustration, self-identity, discovery and understanding.’ - Tyrell Waiters, Vern: Custodian of the Universe

    A teen mourning his mother hopes to conjure her ghost and gets a sassy spirit kid sidekick instead. - Meg Lemke, Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews

    The delicate and expressive illustrations are executed in shades of gray, black, and navy; the gold accents of the Spirit Flower signify its value in bringing back those who have passed. The quirky character dynamics create a sense of comic relief amid the emotional intensity... Intriguing supernatural elements grounded by genuine expressions of friendship and understanding. (Graphic paranormal. 13-17) - Laura Simeon, Kirkus Reviews

    Neetol’s graceful artwork, all rendered in varying shades of gray with plenty of white space, nicely capture teen life and Damian’s melancholy loneliness. Her figures resemble anime/manga art, with slim bodies and large round eyes ... The story was at its funniest, strongest, and most poignant when it focused on Damian and Saskia’s growing friendship ... Teens who love manga will appreciate this one volume story. This would be a good read alike suggestion for readers who have enjoyed other supernatural friendship stories, such as the Sheets series by Brenna Thummler. - Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

    British author/playwright Moore provides a poignant, heartfelt tale of grief, loss, and hopeful healing. In exquisitely expressive black-grey-white swirling panels—with only the spirit flower highlighted in vibrant orange—Neetols transforms Moore’s narrative into visual magic - Terry Hong, Booklist STARRED Review
    John Moore grew up exploring the creaky woods of Hertfordshire and studied at the University of Sussex where he developed his socially conscious writing style. Subjects such as grief, mental health, childhood and family are core themes in his work which he often tries to examine with humour. He has been awarded places on programmes run by the likes of BBC Writersroom, Papatango Theatre Company, Screen Arts Institute and Working Title. In 2021, John was also selected for the VAULT Festival New Writers Programme.

    Neetols (they/them) is a graphic designer and illustrator born and raised in Manila, Philippines, where they reside still. They have worked in advertising and the non-profit sector where they realized their interest in narrative art and illustrating genuine human connections. They are inspired by classic manga, mid-century packaging design, old gig posters, and slice-of-life movies.
    John Moore View titles by John Moore
    Neetols View titles by Neetols

    About

    A heart-warming, supernatural slice-of-life graphic novel that gently weaves together tough, everyday themes of identity, grief, and accepting flaws in those we love the most.

    Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out – but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn’t need her hanging around trying to ‘help’ him with his crush – but Saskia’s suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amid grief, where someone’s flaws might be the reason you love them the most.

    Praise

    Featured in Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews in their Top 10 Young Adult Comics and Graphic Novels - Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews

    ‘This is a touching story dealing with a multitude of feelings, from loss, frustration, self-identity, discovery and understanding.’ - Tyrell Waiters, Vern: Custodian of the Universe

    A teen mourning his mother hopes to conjure her ghost and gets a sassy spirit kid sidekick instead. - Meg Lemke, Publishers Weekly Fall Comics and Graphic Novels Previews

    The delicate and expressive illustrations are executed in shades of gray, black, and navy; the gold accents of the Spirit Flower signify its value in bringing back those who have passed. The quirky character dynamics create a sense of comic relief amid the emotional intensity... Intriguing supernatural elements grounded by genuine expressions of friendship and understanding. (Graphic paranormal. 13-17) - Laura Simeon, Kirkus Reviews

    Neetol’s graceful artwork, all rendered in varying shades of gray with plenty of white space, nicely capture teen life and Damian’s melancholy loneliness. Her figures resemble anime/manga art, with slim bodies and large round eyes ... The story was at its funniest, strongest, and most poignant when it focused on Damian and Saskia’s growing friendship ... Teens who love manga will appreciate this one volume story. This would be a good read alike suggestion for readers who have enjoyed other supernatural friendship stories, such as the Sheets series by Brenna Thummler. - Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

    British author/playwright Moore provides a poignant, heartfelt tale of grief, loss, and hopeful healing. In exquisitely expressive black-grey-white swirling panels—with only the spirit flower highlighted in vibrant orange—Neetols transforms Moore’s narrative into visual magic - Terry Hong, Booklist STARRED Review

    Author

    John Moore grew up exploring the creaky woods of Hertfordshire and studied at the University of Sussex where he developed his socially conscious writing style. Subjects such as grief, mental health, childhood and family are core themes in his work which he often tries to examine with humour. He has been awarded places on programmes run by the likes of BBC Writersroom, Papatango Theatre Company, Screen Arts Institute and Working Title. In 2021, John was also selected for the VAULT Festival New Writers Programme.

    Neetols (they/them) is a graphic designer and illustrator born and raised in Manila, Philippines, where they reside still. They have worked in advertising and the non-profit sector where they realized their interest in narrative art and illustrating genuine human connections. They are inspired by classic manga, mid-century packaging design, old gig posters, and slice-of-life movies.
    John Moore View titles by John Moore
    Neetols View titles by Neetols

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