Review: Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley

Stepping Stones (Peapod Farm #1)

By Lucy Knisley

Random House Graphic

ISBN: 978059312524
$12.99 (PB)
Grades 3-7
Out Now

Find it at:
McLean & Eakin | Your Library

The first time I heard of Lucy Knisley was when her second book, Relish, was announced as an Alex Award winner at the 2014 Youth Media Awards. I went out and read it and have been singing its praises ever since – honest, vulnerable, intelligent, and informative – a joy to read. The Alex Award is given to “books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults”, so as I’ve been enjoying her post-Relish work for grown-ups, I’ve held out hope that one day she might write a graphic novel for a younger audience. That day has arrived, folks, and Stepping Stones is the sort of memoir(ish – it’s fiction) story that readers are going to read and reread and reread.

When her parents divorce, Jen is uprooted from the city to live a country life of chicken coops and farmers markets with her mom. This extreme scenery change would be hard enough, but added into the mix are mom’s often-annoying boyfriend, Walter, and his two daughters. Will Jen find her place in this unfamiliar new reality?

Stepping Stones isn’t a memoir, but id does draw on elements from the author’s real life. Because of this, it hums with authenticity. The relationship between struggling Jen and know-it-all Andy will ring true for many readers. Knisley also deftly deploys humor in ways that make for a balanced emotional journey.

Knisley’s pencilwork (Blackwing 602s) is clean and refined. The digital color is subtle and warm. The pacing and panel work is clear and unfussy.

Stepping Stones is a wonderful kick off this this fish-out-of-water series. It’s also likely to make a whole lot of new Lucy Knisley fans.

Review copy purchased.

Watch Lucy Knisley give some behind the scenes deets on Stepping Stones: