Inbetweens was absolutely breathtaking, from the art, to the relatable characters, to the realistic storytelling it featured. This is a must-have for the shelves of all comic lovers, teachers, parents, and people who love art and animation.

The story follows two twin sisters (Ash and Sloane) who get to attend a summer animation intensive. Throughout the story, the twins learn how racism and sexism can be embedded at the core of animation culture, how your heroes can sometimes let you down, and why loving your art is more important than simply working for a big-name brand. Themes from the comic center around friendship, sisterhood, overcoming self-doubt, and pursuing one's goals for the right reasons.

The artwork in this was stunning, and I wish it were a full series! At my middle school and high school, almost everyone went through a phase where they wanted to be an animator or work for a comic strip company. This story will reach back through time and touch everyone who once held the dream of working in an industry that inspired their passion and nurtured their joy. It is wholesome and sweet in every way! The story will also teach children (and remind adults) that art is nuanced and unique to each artist. Many cultures have broad art forms that not everyone will appreciate, but they still deserve respect. Part of being an artist is learning to see things for the unique beauties that they are-- Not just judging art by one cookie-cutter standard.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers at First Second Books for sending me an ARC of Inbetweens! If readers want a patch of light in a dark world, this comic offers a joyous reprieve from the monotonous siren-songs of obligation and perfectionism, and gently reminds us how to stay in touch with our passions, instead.

A sweet coming of age story about two twin girls who are attending a summer animation camp that they have long wished to attend. However one twin's interest in animation has waned over the years and while the other in enthusiastic, she doesn't yet have the necessary skills to succeed (to be fair, the girls are also among the youngest to attend the camp as rising 9th graders and have years to hone their skills before applying to the college the summer camp serves as a feeder to). The situation is first complicated by a nearly all-male cohort (the twins are two of the three female students) and an animating legend instructor who is either racist or sexist (or both, I suppose) and continuously dismisses the work of the best student in a class (who is a woman) and informs one of the twins that she simply may not be cut out for the profession when she seeks support. I honestly would have preferred more exploration of the sexism in the program, as that was, to me, far more interesting that the twins worries about not doing everything in lockstep together (an interest that they both seem far, far too old to have). Personally I didn't like the animation style either, which reminded me of the harsh and spiky style of Doonesbury, although there were scenes when they style changed to reflect the styles of well known animated films which shows the artist certainly has a range of artistic skill.

Loved the twin sisters relationship of seeing the two girls evolve into their own unique people. The anime history was great and will, hopefully, inspire younger anime watchers and manga readers to explore some classics. As per the norm with Hicks, great illustrations with a solid engaging story.

Yes, please!

TL:DR
5 stars
Appropriate for 3rd Grade +
Primary appeal to 5th Grade +
Fans of Telgemeier, Twins by Varian Johnson

Faith Erin Hicks does it again. Set in the late 1990s, this story about twins going to art school hits all the right notes. Sisters going in different directions, but yearning to stay connected. Finding of friends, finding of self. Don't meet your heroes. Find new heroes.

It also illuminates the Canadian Animation scene in a really interesting light, and highlights the need for smaller companies to make sure that more than just the voice of Disney is heard.

But all that might sound really dry and boring. This book is anything but. Fast paced without feeling rushed. Beautiful examples of different styles of art...

The scenes where the artist intertwines her characters with classic scenes from Studio Ghibli films are MAGIC.

Really great mini bibliography of animation.

This would be great for a school animation club or graphic novel book group. Or a crossover of the two.

Although I would happily encourage an interested 3rd grader to read this - none of the typically objectionable topics are here - it is the type of book that older student will get different messages from it. And it will really appeal to 5th grade+. And although it is based in reality and does NOT involve a magical boarding school, it feels very much like a classic "going off to boarding school" story in ways.

Loved it.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

KC
School Librarian for 3rd - 5th Grade
Storyteller
Lover of cheese & tiny boxes

There is a lot packed into this book! Ash, Sloane and their new animation friends deal with everything from self confidence to family dynamics, on top of having a jerk for a teacher. Knowing that the author has a background in animation, I'm curious if any of this stems from her own experiences. I really liked the ending with the friend group coming together and supporting each other, though there were some aspects that felt a little less addressed. I think this is partially so that readers can fill in their own reasoning for character behaviors and form their own connections to the story, and it is realistic to leave some of this unresolved, as frustrating as these issues are in real life (once again, a jerk of a teacher). I think the messaging has a little nuance and subtlety, like also having a teacher that is supportive and breaking boundaries in her own way. As an animation kid myself I definitely got a nerdy kick out of all the references in this book, but there was a funny back and forth of some movies being real and others being riffs (one movie clearly referenced the Iron Giant but is called Monstrous instead). It was very sweet to see the characters find so much connection and meaning with Studio Ghibli (a huge part of my childhood/life), and I hope that younger readers both see themselves reflected in this story, and find some new films to love as well.

In betweens by Faith Erin hicks was an amazing coming of age story. I really liked this books. When two sisters go to a prestigious animation summer class, they face challenges. This challenges seem really big, but with the help of family, friends, and of course animation they figure it out. This book is fantastic for artists and teens. I would rate this book a 5/5 stars.