This is a short graphic novel. The illustrations are my favorite part of this-you definitely want to take your time while reading it to get the full story, because you might miss things if you try to skim. The story itself is relatively standard, a twist on the whole, "Bad things are going to happen to my town if I don't take action, because I'm the only one who knows what's going on," theme. Overall it seems pretty positive and lighthearted. I'd definitely read the sequel if it came out, and I'm planning on adding it to our library's graphic novel collection.

I'm not the biggest fan of graphic novels in general, but my biggest complaint about some that I've read lately are that they are simply too short to really create a story with enough depth to care about. I know that the line between "comic book" and "graphic novel" has become a bit more blurry in the last few years, but this one was pretty clearly billed as a graphic novel and just falls way short.

There's not enough time spent on anything: the characters aren't developed enough, the creatures aren't explained well enough, and the plot doesn't progress much at all. I see that this appears to be just the first book of what will likely be a series but...if I don't care now, why would I continue reading?

The story feels original and the Glim is cute...but that's about it.

This seemingly simple story is sure to grab the love and attention of every middle schooler. It has a second layer with a lot of depth and heart. The contrasting images and colors are great for emphasis. Curious what happens after this story ends.

The Girl and the Glim by India Swift is a bright and bubbly story of finding strength in oneself. I love the bold colors and strong lines of the artwork. The story itself is nothing groundbreaking (very much a 'power of friendship' type of tale), but is still fun and intriguing in its own right.

The Girl and the Glim is a wonderfully illustrated novel about a new student who befriends a bright little alien "Glim" who helps her solve problems and try to fit in at her new school while fighting off the dark alien Glums that bring sadness and destruction with them. Younger middle-school students will enjoy the story, but may miss some details if they are not reading closely. Parts seem too young for 8th grade students to appreciate reading.

The Girl and the Glim is a color-packed story of identity with some supernatural addition. Bridgette just moved to a new town with her parents who are working extra hours while settling in. Bridgette is nervous to start a new school and she misses the friends she left behind.

The first day comes and goes, and it's not exactly stellar. Bridgette's new school has some bullies and definitely some cliques that Bridgette doesn't fit into. The night gets even weirder when she discovers a glowing fluffy ball of a creature in her bedroom!

Jam packed with action sequences that tell much of the story, The Girl and the Glim is about finding confidence in oneself and doing what's right even if others may think strangely of you.

I loved the artwork and the characters. The storyline is interesting too, but I wish the book had been longer and wrapped up more of the story/loose ends. As it stands, it ends with a lot of unanswered questions and I'm not sure there's enough draw for kids to wait until the next book release. In particular, I wish we'd seen more of the boy Bridgette first meets on moving day and that we could've built up a little more of a relationship with him and who he is or where he comes from as we do learn there's a lot of mystery around him.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had mixed feelings about this graphic novel. I found the illustrations, specifically the battle sequences, to be confusing. I had to go back to them repeatedly to try to figure out the battle progression. I also wasn't super compelled by the storyline. This is just one of those books that I can't put my finger on exactly why, but it just didn't quite work for me.

The Girl and the Glim is the first graphic novel in what's sure to be a series for kids who like a little bit of Stranger Things with their Raina Telgemeier. Bridgette is instantly likable as the outcast new kid at school. India Swift tells just enough story and teases just enough mystery to make me want to read book two. @doigswift #BookPosse

*Reviewed from a NetGalley advanced ebook.

Bridgette and her family move to a new house and she starts at a new school mid semester. She's concerned about making friends, but runs into a guy and hopes he's a new friend (but forgot to ask his name).

At school, Bridgette is heckled by Jove in her first class, and he pesters her every chance he gets--including locking her in a dark storage room. After escaping, she sees the Glums (large and small), and they're fairly scary.

When she gets home, she sees a white fuzzball and thinks it is another threat, so she attacks it with a broom. But this is a Glim (her name for it), and it's a good space alien (as opposed to the Glums).

Fearing increased retribution, Bridgette doesn't report Jove or his friends for what they did but her Glim friend helps her with the problem.

It's a nice fantasy to have a fluffy little creature save Bridgette from scary space critters and very tall bullies. I don't think every book on the subject has to be realistic. And who knows, maybe there are Glims (by another name) helping little kids who are afraid.

ADVISORY: If a child has a severe fear of spiders, speak to a licensed therapist prior to allowing the child to read this book. The Glums are not spiders, but the similarities are obvious.

3.6/5 Stars The story is disjointed and choppy, and Bridgette seems to completely forget about the "Cavern of Glums" experience. Otherwise, a good story; obviously leading to another installment.

Thanks to IDE Publishing and NetGalley for the free preview of this graphic novel in pdf; the review is voluntary.

#TheGirlandtheGlim #NetGalley

This was very cute and a very quick read! Suitable for younger readers, or colorful graphic novel lovers. Loved the colorful style and the story was short but sweet.
Bridgette is a very likeable character and the adventure that unfolds is engaging. It left me wondering where the story will go next, so I will definitely wait for the next chapter.

Thank you IDW and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to IDW and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Girl and the Glim by India Swift is a lovely children's graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Hilda or Coraline. The story revolves around Bridgette, the new girl at school. She's trying to make the most of it. Unfortunately, she's a bit awkward, and she's having trouble making friends. One day, she meets an adorable bright glob, and she also meets a many-eyed monster that can duplicate and that only she can see. Who are they are what do they want? Can she stop the monters from destroying the town?

Overall, The Girl and the Glim is a wonderful children's fantasy graphic novel that will have readers enchanted. One highlight of this book is the colorful artwork, which really made me want to keep reading the book. The art style reminded me of Disney or Nickelodeon cartoons, particularly Netflix's Hilda and Disney's Gravity Falls. Another highlight of this book is the story, which is equal parts heart-warming and spooky. Readers will taken on an adventure as Bridgette tries to defend her town from monsters. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a fan of children's fantasy graphic novels, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!

This was a really wholesome and engaging read about being the new kid and having anxiety with a sci-fi twist. I found this to be a lovely graphic novel with stunning artwork and a fun premise that was a good allegory for the fear of not fitting in and the anxious feelings everyone can get in stressful situations. It's a story with a wonderful message in facing the stresses ahead and I found it to be a very up-lifting read that would be great for adolescents. I wish I had this graphic novel to read when I was a kid and I look forward to reading the sequel.

The color of the illustrations are so pretty. The story is perfect for young graphic novel fans. The story is simple and the characters look cute.

My students love graphic novels and I've been looking for more to add to the library. This one will be a nice addition to the collection as it's the beginning of a new series. The artwork is good, bright, exciting. Kids who have often felt they didn't belong will find a connection with Bridgette.

This review is offered in fair exchange for the ARC granted by the publisher***


So, this story opens with a very visually dramatic tone and hook, in order to exaggerate the MCs nerves about moving to a new place, as well how valid she feels in her life/school environment. After a few pages, the graphic novel introduces a reader to Bridgette, a young teen whose going through it—being on a path between adulthood and still being considered a kid, having to start over at a new school, and OH—an alien invasion! The illustrations are cute, have great lines, detailing. Additionally, the artist did a great job depicting emotions.

I did find the graphic novel in ARC format a little hard to read, because the coloring had not been done yet and some of the word bubbles were cut obscured by the arc notice printed on the edges of pages—but, I would not count on against the story content.

The only other type of “con” and I could offer about the graphic novel, would be the beginning was a little confusing for me, with the transition of fantasy to reality for the MC. At first I first I thought she had fallen into a portal into another
land—but figured it quick enough.

This book would be a cute choice for a middle grade student, reluctant teen reader, or a student who might have some reading challenges. The strength and confidence of character that develops in this book, make it a wonderful choice😊

Absolutely amazing, both the art and the story complement each others and really captivated me. I am excited for the continuation.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This great graphic novel for the younger reader explores the power of children’s imagination and belonging. Lovely, cartoon-style art. Great beginning of the new series. Looking forward to the next volume.

This is a really cute young reader's graphic novel. I loved the cartoon-ish feel and the colour palette, it was very pleasant to read and look over page to page. Additionally, I love animated movies that have to do with children's imagination and their perspective, and this was a lot like watching a Pixar movie that had to do with that. overall, it's a very easy and cute graphic novel for young readers. I'll be recommending this to them!

Thank you to NetGalley for this uncorrected proof in return for my honest review.

As a children's bookseller this graphic novel/comic is a great representation of emotion alongside an alien invasion. The artwork is beautiful and I love the mystery surrounding the story. I cannot wait to read more of this series as I think it's going to be wonderful!

Bridgette just moved to a new town and a new school. Her classmates are not very nice. One day after being locked in a closet, she escapes through a window and comes across some strange creature in the woods. Soon she notices a little bright glimmer, Glim, and catches it. Together they seek to remove all the Glum's from the shoulders of those suffering at school.

The illustrations were great. The pace was very fast. The story was interesting, but seems like Bridgette and Glim’s destruction will get them into a lot of trouble – especially since no one can see the Glim. The characters, don’t have much volume. Although you can tell the Glums are on those who are stressed or struggling, you don’t more than a quick dialog of why the student is upset. With the anxieties that Bridgette has, I’d assume she’d have one too, but maybe her intention to be a light lets her keep the glimmer.

A couple things that bothered me. First off, as a former science teacher, students performing a lab with chemicals and not wearing goggles – this is a school, right? Especially if chemicals mix and there is a reaction with fumes released. Safety! Secondly, why doesn’t the girl who gets her phone taken away talk to the teacher about why her phone is being used? I am sure if she explained to the teacher, the teacher would have been understanding of the situation. As a teacher, I would have – not giving them detention. Anyway, putting those things aside, the students at my school would probably love this novel and think it’s fun.

Thank you Netgalley and IDW Books for this ARC. I think this would be a nice addition to our library and that upper elementary and middle years would enjoy it. I do look forward to future graphic novels by this author.