AMAZING!! When I discovered I got to have this ARC on my hands I was so excited and this didn't disappoint , for me it was even better thanks Sheets! The art is amazing and we get to capture the characters emotions along the story. Such a great graphic novel!

In this amazing sequel to 'Sheets', Marjorie learns a valuable lesson about being a good friend.

In her graphic novel, 'Sheets', Brenna Thummler introduced us to Marjorie, a young girl who had recently lost her mother and was trying to keep her family laundrette running, while caring for her younger brother and struggling with bullies at school. Marjorie discovered that a young ghost, Wendell, had been using her laundrette as a playground at night and inadvertently causing her trouble. Slowly, the two became friends and supported each other to come to terms with what happened to them. This beautiful story explored loneliness and grief in such a unique way and I found it a moving and delightful. I actually bought the first book without knowing anything about the story because the cover art was so beautiful and I was immediately engrossed in Marjorie and Wendell's world. The sequel, Delicates, is just as special.

We discover that life has changed quite a bit for Marjorie and her family. She has spent the summer hanging out with Tessi and the popular kids from school who had previously ignored her or teased her. Now that she has a group of friends and no longer feels lonely, she is moving further away from Wendell, who is beginning to feel ignored and rejected by Marjorie. Having spent so much time alone, Marjorie is desperate to fit in, so when Tessi begins to bully another girl, Marjorie doesn't speak out.

Eliza Duncan is the daughter of Marjorie's teacher, seen in the previous book. She has been kept back in eigth grade and her father is keen for the other children to make friends with his lonely daughter. However, Eliza is blunt and speaks her mind, which other children find awkward and she is socially isolated, as Marjorie had been previously.

Obsessed with ghosts, Eliza is determined to catch one on film and spends her free time taking photographs of places she knows there have been deaths. Early one morning, she overhears Marjorie talking to Wendell near the lake where he drowned, but when confronted, Marjorie claims to be talking to herself. Eliza begins to wonder if Marjorie might know more than she is letting on and, with her father's encouragement, attempts to befriend Marjorie. However, when Tessi begins to call Eliza a freak who sees dead people, Marjorie is determined that she won't be associated with her.

Wendell is also becoming increasingly upset by Marjorie's rejections as she begins to prioritise her new friends over him. On Halloween, Wendell embarasses her by tagging along, knowing that it is the perfect night for him to fit in. Leaving both Wendell and Eliza behind to be with her other friends, the two outcasts bond over their shared frustrations with Marjorie and feelings of invisibility and loneliness, with Eliza having no idea that she has finally met a ghost!

The bullying of Eliza eventually escalates to a frightening degree and Marjorie must decide whether her new popularity is more important than speaking out.

It was so interesting to see how Marjorie reacted to another lonely child being picked on and shunned now that she was no longer in that same position. I could feel Marjorie's shame and guilt as she rejected both Wendell and Eliza and succumbed to peer pressure. Brenna Thummler has perfectly captured that stage of childhood where we will do anything to fit in and not be rejected by our peer group, particularly those feelings of guilt and shame we experience if we don't speak out about teasing or bullying. Thummler also highlights the very real pain that social isolation and harrassment causes and, at one point, Eliza tells Marjorie that not speaking out is as bad as joining in. A lesson for us all.

Marjorie is also still trying to be a parent to her younger brother, as her father has entered a new stage of grief and still cannot manage to be emotionally available for either of his children. While I felt upset on their behalf, I was pleased that Thummler didn't portray a 'happy ever after' where dad was immediately 'fixed' at the end of the last book. Grief doesn't work like that in real life and I felt this portrayal to be much more authentic, frustrating as it was to see a father's continued neglect of his children's own struggles.

Thummler's illustrations are engrossing, particularly her landscapes and scenes. The colour palette is visually appealing and I find myself, once again, in awe of her artwork. She has produced a striking graphic novel which touches on emotions that we have all experienced. Her use of the ghost as a metaphor for how invisible we can feel when we are ignored by others is touching and poignant. This is a very special series and one I will revisit often.

Get the books:
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
Delicates by Brenna Thummler (Published 16th of March 2021. Available for pre-order.)

I would like to thank NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's a rare sequel that improves on the original, but Delicates really takes the plot, relationships, and themes of its predecessor, Sheets, and runs with them. A really lovely, empathetic, and relatable story about family, friendship, grief, and surviving middle school. That it is so relatable is especially impressive for a story that heavily features ghosts from the land of ghosts, where each ghost is assigned a sheet with holes. The focus in this book is shared between Marjorie, the protagonist from Sheets, still dealing with the effect of her mother's death on her family but now also dealing with navigating tensions and relationships in peer social groups (both living and dead), and Eliza, a classmate of Marjorie's who has strong but narrow interests and difficulty with social interaction and expressiveness, and is being bullyed.

A great continuation of the first novel. I really enjoyed the use of grief this time with the idea that sometimes you need saving. The illustrations were beautiful alongside the colour palette chosen. I am also glad that Wendell got some character development too.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Sheets when I first read it, so I was so excited to pick up the sequel. Even if you have not read the first book, you can easily pick up the story from here and start with this one.

Like the first book in the series, I really enjoyed the art and pastel colours used in Delicates.
However, underneath the pretty purple and pink tones lies a hard hitting and emotional story. This book is definitely aimed for teens, but you can easily enjoy it as an adult.
There are some important subjects mentioned, like bullying and suicidal thoughts and it made me feel far more emotional that I thought it would.

This book ended up being super heavy, much like the first, but this time about mental health, bullying and suicidal thoughts. I loved Sheets and this definitely reads just as well. My favorite moments in this books are the panels showing a simple shrug, shift, or glance to display discomfort. They're so well done and utilized that even as an adult I felt like I was in my awkward 8th grade body, all over again

This is the second graphic novel in the ‘Sheets’ series by Brenna Thummler… and at first I was painfully aware that I hadn’t read the first book. It’s the story of a girl called Marjorie starting 8th grade in year 9? who is 14 (I don’t understand American schools) who can talk to ghosts in the form of sheets in her dad’s laundry. Her mum recently died, and whilst I think that is dealt with more in the first book, how we cope with life and death is covered in this one too. Intertwined with her life is Eliza, an avid ghost photographer who is having a hard time coping with middle school. Everything’s pretty self explanatory and whilst I’m sure most people will begin with the first book where this is obvious, it would be nice if it was explained how the whole ghosts-in-the-sheets-at-her-dad’s-laundry works?


Ahhh the ghosts! They were what intrigued me the most… and were also the most beautifully drawn characters. All of the pictures in Delicates are GORGEOUS – pastel colours and big, full page drawings that made me wish I had a physical copy because I bet they’re exceptional. Brenna Thummler is incredibly talented and can show so much emotion in one little picture – I think my family got bored of me telling them to ‘look at this!!’. But I couldn’t help it. The ghosts were adorable.

Photography is all about what you can see, but you have to develop it in a room where you can barely see anything’’

- I CAN’T REALLY SHOW YOU MY FAVOURITE DRAWING SO THIS IS MY FAVOURITE QUOTE

However, it wasn’t too cute. Near the end of the book, it got quite dark; dealing with real subjects in a concise but haunting (pun not intended) manner. I’d say that this is a young adult book because while the characters are a little younger, it covers serious topics. Whilst, to start, the subtle references to suicide might go over younger readers’ heads, it was eventually spelled it out and talk about it in a good, but not too heavy, way.

Basically, Delicates is brilliant. Moving and beautifully illustrated, it’s funny in a kind of laughing/smiling through tears way. The pace is brilliant and if you’re looking for a graphic novel to get you out of a reading slump, look no further! It hits shelves on the the 16th March.

Delicates is a heartwarming story. It features Marjorie, a teenage girl who is friends with ghosts, Eliza, a class mate who is always looking for ghosts, and Wendell, a ghost, as well as other characters who aren't ghost adjacent. It covers the themes you would expect from a story about kids in middle school. Fitting in with the popular group. Doing the right thing, when the right thing isn't easy. Peer pressure. And, some you might not expect. Grief, Depression, Ghost Photography.

Between the art and the story you feel the awkwardness and terrible embarrassment that accompanies being a middle schooler. The art in this book is wonderful. Subtle emotions that would take a paragraph are quickly and effectively evoked in one panel. I guess this book is for kids (?I guess. I really don't know the target audience. As an adult, I enjoyed it immensely), but I thought the art and themes were extremely sophisticated. Some stuff would probably go over the average kid's head after a first read, but they would still enjoy it and pick it up eventually.

I guess regarding it being sophisticated, I would offer a warning about a couple of topics that come up. Without being too specific as to spoil the story. The book deals with the loss of a parent, and suicidal ideation. This part of the story is written devastatingly well. There's no problem with it, and it fits the story perfectly (and, it gives the story realness and depth that broke my heart) but, I thought it warranted a mention.

It's not all doom and gloom and heavy topics. The book is downright funny.. Eliza's Dad is filled with Dad jokes, Wendell and his ghost pals have a ton of really funny jokes, and there are touches of middle school life that will bring out a laugh from anyone.

Delicates is a sequel to Sheets. I didn't find that out until I started writing this review; clearly, you don't NEED to read Sheets before you read Delicates, because I loved it! I have a feeling that reading Sheets first will probably give more depth to this story (I'm guessing Marjorie meetings the popular kids (and the ghosts) in the previous book) but, it is by no means required. I do know that my enjoyment of Delicates has forced me to go out and grab Sheets so I can try that one out next!
(Also. And please don't judge me for this. I didn't put together the Delicates title, until I realized this book was a sequel to Sheets. I mean, it's clear in the book! She works in a laundry! I was just thinking of the other meaning of delicates in describing the characters.)

Wow. This was a very layered story and yet it was able to be tied together nicely in the end. I’ve just recently in the past year or so invested more of my time into reading graphic novels, so when I saw the concept for Sheets and now this, I was sold. A girl figuring out eighth grade, who she is AND being friends with ghosts? Honestly I could not ask for more. Marjorie is entering the eighth grade while tagging along with some flighty new friends. While in the midst of becoming the new backbone of her family, she meets Eliza who is repeating the eighth grade and walks to the beat of her own drum. With Eliza’s character introduction the themes of bullying, friendship, depression and suicide were delicately touched on. I adored this book for what it spoke on and for the wonderful way it made me laugh and cry. I would definitely recommend this to those reading middle grade and any adult who has a soft spot for charming ghosts such as Wendell.

So I didn't read the first volume but Delicates really missed the mark for me. I really like the color palette that is used but the drawings don't appeal to me, and the story also didn't catch my attention. I guess I could've appreciated this more had I read it ten years ago, but now, it feels too young and naive and stereotypical and just not what I'm in the mood to read? I'll conclude with saying that this isn't bad, just not for me!

TW: bullying and suicidal ideations

I really wished I had this graphic novel when I was in middle school and also in high school. I am so glad this graphic novel exists. It shows both sides of someone trying to fit in but also an outsider and the impacts of bullying. It was well written and it made me tear up multiple times. I believe that every teacher should have this in their classroom. Because the moral of the story is asking for help is okay.

Honestly I'm surprised that Delicates by Brenna Thummler is served as a sequel to the first book titled Sheets. I figured it out when I finally finished reading the book. This means that the second book can be read as a standalone as I didn't find the story detaching.

We follow a girl named Marjorie who's been befriending with ghosts(covered in sheets) ever since she's stumbled upon them in her family's laundromat. One of them is a deceased young boy named Wendell who later becomes a special friend to her. However, the relationship between Marjorie and Wendell is getting strained when a group of popular kids invites her into their circle. Marjorie desires the idea of being seen and visible. So she'll do anything in order for the circle to see and accept her.

As I read through these scenes, I felt bad for Marjorie. Her supposed-to-be-friends always act reluctant around her as if they didn't acknowledge her presence at all. A true friend is supposed to accept and embrace your flaws, not belittling them. A true friend is supposed to be there when you're at the lowest point of your life. At this rate, Thummler has successfully fleshed out the characters very well, to the point that I could put myself in Marjorie's shoes.

Then here comes another spotlight of the story, Eliza, Marjorie's classmate, who has a deep passion in capturing pictures of ghosts. Due to that, people around her feel that she's a freak for developing an eccentric hobby that nobody in the class does. Thus, she is labeled as a different one. Howbeit, she still wants to befriend with Marjorie because Marjorie doesn't outcast her like other kids have done.

Having all of these interconnected, Eliza, Marjorie and Wendell together embark on a quest to untangle what has been holding them back from showing the true side of themselves? It's a story that shines through the darkness, a story that people these days often resonates with and a story that has its own originality. With that spellbinding art, please, I want to see more of them in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

very adorable, cute main characters as well as side characters. plot is easy to follow along while not being boring! very very worth the time

Good sequel to the original. Fun story that will capture the students attention. It will be a popular pick in the library.

I read Delicates withouth having read the first installment, Sheets, but that wasn't an issue to enjoy this story.
Delicates is so sweet and heart-warming that deals with important topics such as grief, loss and depression but keeping it colorful and light. Such a cozy contrast.

It's a realistic story perfect for teens or everyone dealing with life or bullying.

Such an amazing sequel. This one stayed true to the previous story, and now had the chance to delve in so much father. The author brings up heavy topics without being too hands on, and gives them all the space and respect they deserve. Readers will have the space to relate to the characters and explore these topics and build the connections themselves. We get the chance to see both the kids and adults in their struggles, and feel we know them beyond the surface level. Even the characters who may be doing harm are complicated, relatable and human. I also applaud the author for exploring some topics in a way that I've rarely seen in kids/teens. The art is also phenomenal. I would proudly hang any of the two page spreads on my wall.

This is such a great title for all ages, and will recommend to parents as well. I come across many parents who are looking for books to read with their kids that will keep their interest as well (or even excite them). Other customers who resent graphic novel and think chapter books hold more value. I think this will appeal to many of those struggles, because this story well paced, thoughtful and heart warming. I can't wait to share "Delicates" with everyone at my store.

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for giving me the opportunity to read Delicates in advance.

It was so good to be back in this graphic novel universe. I liked Sheets but this one was even better and more emotional for me.

I love Eliza with all my heart. Photography being in the centre of this novel was really special to me and I absolutely loved all the scenes in the dark room.

With this graphic novel, Brenna Thummler spread an important and hopeful message, to stand up to bullies and that life is worth living. It was such a touching sequel.

"You are so good at seeing the world. Can you please keep letting the world see you?"

Delicates is out March 16th !!

I enjoyed this more than Sheets #1. The addition of Eliza was my favorite. Wendell was a sweet cinnamon roll as usual. This middle grade graphic novel deals with some hard topics while remaining lighthearted and hopeful. TW: death, grief, loss of a loved one, depression, suicide. *ARC provided by NetGalley for review.

Brena Thummler continues her exploration of the ghost as symbol and metaphor in daily life.
I was blown away by Thummler's fist 'Sheets' graphic novel and this one does not disappoint. It naturally builds up on the themes of the previous one and develops them together with the characters. It takes the common trope of 'protagonist growing up' and re-contextualises it to fit with the wider topics of grief and existence. It demonstrates that grief is not transient, not something that goes away. It haunts us.
I was apprehensive about the introduction of a new character POV in Delicates. Yet Eliza does not simply repeat Marjorie's story progression, but rather has her own issues. Her story brings a whole new dimension to the discussion of the ghost, of being ghostly and making others feel like ghosts.
'Delicates' reads like a deeply intimate piece of work, almost too personal to read. And yet it is a story which should be read and should be written, for the graceful way it deals with things almost inexpressible in words. And for the artistic flair with which it presents everyday life,

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an arc of Delicates by Brenna Thummler.
Wow, just wow. I recently read Sheets and it became an instant favourite of mine, Delicates has surpassed my expectations in ways I didn’t even think it could. This was haunting and magical and I found it so comforting.

I see so many similarities between Eliza and myself and it felt nice to relate to her. I feel like I could feel how she felt a lot of the time with feeling too “weird” and not feeling like she fit into a lot of places. I loved the message that you can find your place and your people without having to shrink, reduce or change yourself. You should be able to be unapologetically you, and if you’re feeling alone or overwhelmed, you should reach out.

I don’t think I’ve read a graphic novel or even a book where I have felt so much love and emotions. I have so much love for Marjorie and I have so much love for Eliza. Despite the serious and sad topics it tackles, it does so in a way that helps you understand more than one side to a story. It feels fair and balanced and a good message of apologising, forgiving, reaching out for help, standing up and not standing by and being your true self. I feel warm and comforted after reading this, despite the sad moments, but maybe that’s because I can feel the sad moments and seeing the kind of soft resolutions to them makes me feel good. It makes me realise that there is still life to live and it doesn’t have to be in this big magnificent way, it doesn’t have to be for the benefit or enjoyment of others, but you are living for yourself and to be you. You don’t have to fit a mould or a stereotype to feel comfortable as long as you’re you. And it made me reflect on the idea that people who are on surface level stereotype are still complex humans underneath with emotions and feelings and things no one knows about. It reminded me that everyone needs to be treated with respect, even yourself when you don’t always believe it or when you’ve had enough. It’s okay that I find comfort in the “weird” or the “unusual” as long as I’m being true to myself.

This was something I wish I had when I was a teenager wishing I could fit in, despite my differing interests. It would have offered me further reassurance that being myself is more than enough, and I shouldn’t change for anyone. I can’t wait to recommend this to absolutely everyone that crosses my path.

I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. This graphic novel really moved me and I can’t wait to buy a physical copy when it is available as I can tell that this is going to be one of my comfort reads.