David Smalls is an award winning children’s book illustrator, most notably the 2001 Caldecott winner So, You Want To Be President? (by Judith St. George).
Stitches is a look at the bleak and scary childhood that David was able to survive and overcome. From a radiologist father who treated David’s sinus issues with x-rays, which later caused throat cancer (a diagnosis that his parents tried to hide from him), to a passive-aggressive mother who expressed herself through throat clearing coughs and banging kitchen cupboard doors closed. David’s art was his escape. Now that talent allows him to tell his story of survival.
Why I picked up this book: It is the July 2013 selection for our “Never Too Old” (YA for Adults) book club. We try to choose a variety of books for that group and we went with this one to fill the graphic novel niche. It isn’t my month to lead the discussion but I decided to read it since almost everyone in the group has told me how great it is.
Why I finished it: The book is a fast and easy read. I particularly love the illustration on page 62, where a young David is drawing and climbs headfirst into his artwork, like Alice falling into the rabbit hole.
I’d give it to: Readers who like A Child Called It and other tales about overcoming adversity. Readers who want to try reading a graphic novel, as this a great introduction into the complexities of the format and how a big story can be told and portrayed in images and very little text.
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (Really Liked It)
Review by Jenn, YA Librarian View all my Goodreads reviews
**If you are interested in learning more, head over to the author’s website where you’ll find book trailers and more information about his choices for the book.**