Member Review

Kirby Tan learned to love rock climbing from her dad, but his loss and an accident that sidelines her has her feeling like her life has no foothold. Add the fact that she has a crush on the quirky girl she's working with on the school newspaper, and Kirby will have to decide if she can balance her wants and her family and community.

I love the story's themes and how deep Gao goes into all the hard topics. There are some truly emotional moments that hit all the right spots, be they sad or happy. Following along as Kirby regains her balance in a world where everything and everyone around her is pulling her in different directions and giving her mixed signals is an extreme flashback to teendom. Even if your situation wasn't as charged and complicated, you will connect to the things Kirby and friends face. I'd like to think it shows teens that everything can be overcome if you're open to listening and talking things out.

The art is cute and expressive, but the way the panels and text are arranged is sometimes super confusing. Nothing major, but it's a little annoying.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for the emotional read!