Tall Water (YA graphic novel)

     SJ Sindu's Tall Water is a real eye opener. It takes teen readers to a part of the world where war, death, and precarity are a way of life--where what we often take too much for granted--food, medical care, shelter, safety, even drinking water--can be hard to come by.

     Nimmi was born in Sri Lanka to a native mother and an American journalist father. In her last year of high school she lives in America with her father. Shortly after she was born her father's press pass was revoked meaning that he had to leave that very day. Her mother insisted that he take their baby for her safety. After several unsuccessful attempts to get her own visa she decided to stay in her war torn country. 

     Nimmi has wanted to know why her mother didn't try harder, why the chance to mother her wasn't enough. Her mother is alive and running an orphanage. They exchange letters, but it isn't enough. And she has dreams in which her mother calls out to her, begging her to return.  

     Then her father's paper is sending him to Sri Lanka on assignment. His press pass has been reinstated. He refuses to take Nimmi with him, claiming it would be much too dangerous...

     ...but she has the means--dual citizenship and a credit card--to follow him. 

     Graphic novel is the perfect format for the drama and trauma Nimmi experiences on her quest. Dion MBD's illustrations and changing palettes convey a palpable sense of suspense but also the ability of people living intimately with danger to find joy in times of respite.

     For the more mature YA reader Tall Water is an eye opener and a heart opener, a journey well worth taking. 

On a purrrsonal note, I'm getting ready for New Year's Eve. I have my resolutions ready. Actually I don't think up new resolutions because I notice ways I can improve at all times of the year. At the end of the year I just curate a list. (You'll have to wait to see it.) I plan to stay up and read near the tree snuggling with precious Tobago. I have a very special read picked out: the copy of Amber's new manuscript she gave me for Christmas. I have a Fancy Feast entree so Tobago can celebrate 🥳 🎉 🎊. I'll let myself have a tiny bit of candy. 

A great big shout out goes out to my very favorite horror story writer. The one who knocked Stephen King to #2 on my list.

Jules Hathaway 

     

     

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