Coming Back

Starred review from October 18, 2021
In an inventive feat of mythmaking, Zabarsky’s (Witchlight) sophomore graphic novel is set on an island where individuals canshift form and shape elements, and where children are born through seeds left behind by the dead. Valissa, the village’s dark brown–skinned, brown-haired librarian, and Preet, a powerful Shaper with light brown skin and white hair, share a tender bond. When a strange, harmful mist emerges from the library that houses their people’s history, nonmagical Valissa volunteers to descend into the island’s depths. Now alone, Preet finds and plants a seed, raising the resultant child alone against the island’s strongest traditions. After the child, Lue, is discovered, the two are banished to a strange and unknown world, unable to tell Valissa where they’ve gone. With limited exposition, Zabarsky’s subtle art settles the reader into a dreamlike world populated with imaginative beings. Valissa’s and Preet’s parallel journeys deftly explore perseverance and finding a balance between tradition and self-discovery. As encapsulated in the echoing refrain “go and come back to us,” spoken to departing loved ones, the story assuredly layers exploration and reflection into a sublime and emotionally resonant journey. Ages 12–up. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Dec.)■

September 1, 2021

Gr 7 Up-A fantastical, body-positive, multi-ethnic, queer story about nontraditional families. Zabarsky (Witchlight) opens her story in a magical village of women talented in Shifting (the ability to change form, usually to become a giant) and/or Shaping (the power to move objects). Here, the deceased leave behind two seeds to be found by new parents to plant and nurture until the seed produces a baby. The village has one strict rule: Seeds and the resulting children must be raised by two parents. Valissa, the village librarian, lacks magical talent but embarks on a perilous quest to protect her village. She leaves behind Preet, her love and the village's strongest magic wielder. In Valissa's absence, Preet is exiled from the village for the crime of planting a seed and raising a child alone. While Preet and her gifted child meet new creatures in a far-off land, Valissa struggles through her own magical journey underground. Through trials and heartbreak, the lovers reunite, form a family, and return to inspire their village to embrace change. The artwork is soft and pillowy, with rounded edges, reminiscent of Steven Universe, with more muted colors. Preet and Valissa are brown-skinned, and other characters are diverse in terms of skin tone and body shape. VERDICT Highly recommended. Queer and asexual young adults will relate to this story, as will those from adoptive and nontraditional families. Fans of rich fantasy worlds will also enjoy this book.-Tammy Ivins, Library & Information Resources Network

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2021
A story of love: for oneself, others, and community. Preet, the village's best Shaper, and Valissa, the bravest librarian, live on an island anchored by the tree that provided the seeds that grew into the first Shifter (someone who can change their appearance) and Shaper (a person who can form matter). Just as with the first Shaper and Shifter, who complemented one another, Preet and Valissa's love makes each stronger. When a child is knocked out by a mysterious mist during a class visit to the library, Preet is assigned to journey deep into the mist to investigate, but Valissa volunteers to go in her place even though she possesses no magic. While she is away, Preet breaks a long-standing tradition and is cast out. She sails to unknown places in search of belonging. Simultaneously, Valissa faces her own insecurities as she seeks the source of the mist. Before they can find their ways back to each other, they must unlearn what they've been taught and create alternative paths. This story challenges the concept of traditions and the impact they can have on the communities that uphold them. Zabarsky's soft, rounded linework and muted pastels make for cozy imagery, with adornments reminiscent of European folk art. The themes of change and acceptance elevate the story. Both women are fat; Preet has white hair and light-brown skin; Valissa has dark-brown skin and hair. An enchanting tale. (Graphic fantasy. 12-18)

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