Marjorie is running an unsuccessful laundry business after her mom has passed and her father is still grieving. Over in the land of ghosts is Wendell, a ghost who tells tall tales but has no friends. Their paths cross in the hopes that they can help each other.

This is very emotional story, with some comedic relief from Wendell. The artwork is beautiful and has a very muted blue color scheme. I would have liked to see their two paths woven together a little more. Some of the side character interactions could have had more depth, but the parts pertaining to the main characters were nice and I liked the afterlife aspect with the different ghost towns.

I enjoyed reading Sheets by Brenna Thurmmler, but I could not help but feel like something was missing from the somber graphic novel. Sheets is centered on grief and dealing with death. Struggling to cope after the death of her mother, teen Marjorie is forced to become the adult. She has to look after her father, who is struggling with depression, and her little brother; attend high school; and run the family laundromat business, where they all live and work. At school, she is invisible to most and visible to bullies who make fun of her job. In addition an adult man threatens and tries to sabotage the laundromat in order to intimidate Majorie to relinquish the business for his own use. And as if this isn't enough, young Wendell, a ghost who is unhappy being dead and surrounded by other spirits, haunts Marjorie and her business and makes things worse.

My problem with Sheets is that the narrative is imbalanced. Majorie's part of the story is solid and well fleshed out. I wanted to learn more about the Land of Ghosts and about Wendell which just skims the surface on the themes of grief and death. The characters are distinct, and the villain, Mr. Saubertuck, is self-absorbed and very easy to hate. The ghosts, who must wear sheets to be visible, are every bit as sympathetic as the humans and easily noted as a metaphor to how Majorie feels on a daily basis. The artwork is charming and makes a clear distinction between the graphic novel's two worlds, Marjorie's warm, colored world and Wendell's stark, monochrome Land of Ghosts adds life (and death) and dimension to the story. Panels also vary in size, which enriches the narrative. While I didn't love Sheets like I wanted to, I would recommend reading it and I look forward to reading more from Thrummler as she has a lot of potential as a graphic novelist.

A beautiful book about a young girl and an even younger ghost. The story was very good and the characterization storing. But the best part about this book was the illustrations - they were so beautiful, delicate and detailed that I had to take my time marvelling over them every second page.
A must read if you're into graphic novels.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this little book. Wendall is so cute and it is almost heartwarming the way that it is rendered and narrated. It is the soft colored by highly detailed pictures that sold me on the story. I think I would buy it just for that and keep in on my shelf. The story is cute and bittersweet, a bit light and childish, but cute nonetheless. The story works. I would recommend for a precocious middle schooler who is being introduced to the gorgeous world of graphic novels.

Unfortunately I didn't realize that the file I downloaded to read this got corrupted until it was past the archive date, so I am unable to read and review this.

"Sheets" follows Marjorie, a 13-year-old running both her family and their laundry business after the death of her mother. Bullied by both classmates and an evil landlord, she feels invisible. Meanwhile, Wendell, the second protagonist is an actual ghost; a boy who died young and is trying to navigate ghost life but failing miserably. The ghosts in this story inhabit - your guessed it - sheets. Puts a new spin on the whole wear-a-sheet-for-your-halloween-costume thing, doesn't it?
Though the story had a lot of potential, I found it to have a depressing tone which lost me as a reader. The style of artwork wasn't really for me, either. If you're not as sensitive to these things as I am, you're in for an engaging story of redemption and friendship between two unlikely protagonists.

Sheets ist ein wundervoller, kurzweiliger Comic für junge Erwachsene. Marjorie kümmert sich nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter nach der Schule um den Waschsalon. Inklusive nerviger Kund*innen und einem gruseligen schnurrbärtigen Schleimsack, der ihr den Laden abluchsen möchte. Marjories Vater ist momentan keine große Hilfe und sie ist ziemlich allein.

Wendell ist ein Geist und kommt nicht ganz an in der Welt der Geister. Er erzählt lieber fantastische Geschichten über seinen Tod, als sich mit der Wahrheit auseinander zu setzten. Auf der Suche nach sich selbst nimmt er den Zug in die Welt der Lebenden und landet im Waschsalon. Hier richtet das Laken mit zwei Löchern für die Augen ordentlichen Schaden an.

Die beiden lernen sich kennen, Freundschaft steht vor der Tür und drückt auf die Klingel. Vorher gilt es noch nervige Mitschüler*innen, besagten Schleimsack und Farbe am falschen Ort zu überstehen. Sheets macht auf eine seichte Art und Weise Spaß, die sich gut anfühlt, Wärme verbreitet und nicht zuletzt wegen der fantastischen Ilustrationen hängen bleibt.

Mit viel Blick für Details, warmen Farben und großartigen Hintergründen zaubert Brenna Thummler eine Kleinstadt auf die Seiten, in der ich auch wohnen würde. Die Geister illustriert sie auf wundersam realistische und nahe Art und Weise und schafft dadurch eine nachvollziehbare Mythologie, die für Kinder sicherlich großartig ist. Den Hinweis einer älteren Geisterdame an Wendell, in Kontakt mit Kindern so zu tun als ob seine Beine den Boden berühren würden, werde ich so bald nicht vergessen. So würden diese nämlich glauben er wäre nur ein Kind, das sich verkleide und kein Geist.

Sheets habe ich im Comicladen meines Vertrauens erworben. Ich besitze jedoch auch ein Leseexemplar, via NetGalley. Sheets ist bei Cub House erschienen. Eine Bestellung dürfte rund zwei Wochen brauchen.

this was wonderful. Loved how the story drew me in from the opening pages. Looking forward to recommending this to tween readers.

THIS WAS SO SAD.
Marjorie's life is so terrible. A lot of bad things had happened to her but she is still optimist. She does not only have to deal with ungrateful customers, classes, a weird guy who wants to buy her house, BUT her own dad who is still shocked by his wife's death. AND not only that,but suddenly a child's ghost appear and make things even more complicateddd.
This was really touching and sad to read, I wanted to help her so bad. Honestly, I have NEVER read a graphic novel so touching, emotional and that left me wondering about the meaning of life, the meaning of the things that you have. Be grateful, guysss.
The color palette was *insert all good adjectives* fantastic, one of my favorite color palettes everr. I loved the pastel colors, how sweet they looked and how correct(?) they were according with the story. The illustration was awesome as well <3.

A really sweet graphic novel. Loved the illustration style and the story and looking forward to seeing what Brenna does next.

This is a sweet and heartbreaking story with great artwork. I initially thought it sounded fun, but there is a lot more here than just amusement. Both main characters can definitely use a friend, and after a rough start they end up making a great team. The cover is adorable and the concept is well done. I look forward to more from this artist/author!

A moving and still fun graphic novel that dives into one of my favorite plotlines--ghosts and the afterlife--and I suspect will stay with me long after I finished reading. The artwork, both styling and colors, are the absolute standout, though. Brenna Thummler previously illustrated the Anne of Green Gables graphic novel adaptation and everything I loved about her style there shines through in Sheets.

Let me start by saying that if you're one of those people who are currently trying to get into the Halloween spirit, this is the book for you.

Sheets tells the story of Marjorie Glatt, a 13 year old girl struggling to keep her family's laundromat running less than a year after her mother passed away. Trying to manage school bullies, making sure her dad gets out of bed, rude customers, and a man attempting to buy the property that the laundromat rests on, is obviously too much for a regular 13 year old to handle. Meanwhile, Wendell, a forgotten ghost boy with no friends, flees from the land of the dead and finds haven in Marjorie's laundromat, unfortunately for Marjorie, her unwanted guest seems to have a knack for sabotaging her hard work. 

This book was not what I was expecting.

To be completely honest I only had a vague idea of what the book was about and had no clue that there were real ghosts involved in this story. So, I guess that was an unexpected (but pleasant) surprise. Brenna Thummler's interpretation of ghosts is so cute, I mean, I am all for the dead people become linen idea, especially when some of the linen get to accessorize with glasses and headbands and turbans.

The plot was unique, but I definitely felt like it was lacking at some points. It was very rushed towards the end and parts of it were a bit flighty and all over the place. But I absolutely loved the art! The use of color was so nice, especially when the book switches from the world of the living to the world of the dead, the contrast is just pure genius.

My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer. The plot is sweet and I really liked Brenna Thummler’s interpretation of ghosts and the ‘ghost world’, but I felt that towards the end it was a bit rushed in wrapping up.

I would still definitely recommend this book, if not for the plot then definitely for the amazing art.

3/5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐

SHEETS is a sad, but powerful middle grades graphic novel about loss, perseverance, forgiveness and unlikely friendships.

Marjorie, a thirteen year old girl, who feels invisible to the world. When her mother died, her father shut himself down emotionally. Marjorie is not running the family laundry and taking care of her little brother. She loves books and the piano. She is awkward and has not friends. A tough life trying to get through middle school. Throw in a ruthless business man harassing her, and I do not understand how she makes it through the day. And then there is Wendell. He is the ghost of a little boy, who has the habit of exaggerating. He is a cute little ghost who wears a sheet. When Wendell gets kicked out of his house and needs a place to stay, he ends up in the human world, living in the laundry. There are all kinds of problems with this, but when push comes to shove, Wendell and Marjorie team up to save the laundry.

This book is a graphic novel that deals with some deep issues: death of family and friends and the depression of the child forced into taking care of her family, as well as the bullying. Having said that, it is also about second chances and finding friends in the most unlikely places. The illustrations are wonderful. They are colourful, yet muted in pastel shades that add to the despair that Marjorie is feeling. The faces show so much expression, it is easy to see how the characters are feeling. This is a clever story that I believe middle school students would enjoy and perhaps some may identify with these outcast characters. With Halloween around the corner, this is a different type of ghost story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Sheets is an enjoyable graphic novel with a good message at heart. It portrays grief and dying in a way that isn't too saccharine or heavy-handed. That said, I really liked the last thirty or so pages but overall the book just left me feeling kinda "eh" about it. It's a decent book, and I thought the novelty of ghosts needing to launder their sheets was a cute touch, but I wasn't blown away by the story either. Still, I think kids will enjoy this, and with Halloween coming up it's always a good time to read a story about a ghost.

Loved this one, and honestly couldn't put it down after I started. Carve out a good reading corner and load it up. You'll be glad you did.

This story started out very bleak. Marjories whole day started and ended with that laundromat, reminding her of the loss of her mother and how her dad seem lost to his grief. Leaving her to take all responsibility for home and income. This was for me the most frightening thing about the whole story, not her heartbreaking struggle to juggle school and work, or that creep Nigel, but how her dad is portrayed as basically abandoning his kids in need. For me that's the worst thing I could do to my kids in their situation. Towards the end everything sorts itself out though and when the ghost Wendell arrive I began to get more invested and as a whole I liked this story. If my feelings hadn't gotten tangled with the dad's story arc I think I would have liked it more. It was well written and the illustration style complimented the story very well.

An adorable book with lovely art and a sweet story. A little girl is trying to keep her family together after the loss of her mom with the help of a special ghost.

Sheets explores the themes of friendship, overcoming loss and dealing with grief through beautiful illustrations and a unique storyline. The use of ghosts as characters makes the heavy topics seem a little less so, and in my opinion, make this graphic novel a little more approachable for a variety of readers. Overall, a quick read with a beautiful ending.

Thummler's art is best when she shows us scenes of the town where main character Marjorie Glatt lives, evocative panels full of old buildings, autumnal leaves, and windy streets. The laundromat setting is a particularly novel touch, and serves as a bridge between Marjorie's story, in which she misses her recently deceased mother, and the story of a young ghost, Wendell, who feels at home among the laundy, especially the sheets. The connection between these two main strands seems not completely formed, however, and the antagonist of the story, a would-be entrepreneur named Mr. Saubertuck who wants to buy the Glatts' laundry on the cheap and turn it into a spa, does too much villainous mustache-twirling and bwa-ha-ha-ing to fit comfortably alongside the otherwise nuanced portrayal of the grief Marjorie and her father feel .