Kyle’s Little Sister is an interesting look at siblings from all sides of the coin. While it is mostly told from Grace’s point of view, you do get bubbles of thoughts from others.
This sweet, funny, realistic, and relatable tale talks about how we are not “the little sibling of our older sibling.” We have a name of our own. We have personalities of our own. We have our own interests. We look like ourselves, and we act like ourselves. And younger siblings want everyone to know that just because someone is a sibling, they are not identical.
While I had to deal with people wondering if my uncle was my father and assuming I was “like him” (My answer was: NO! I’m Father’s Daughter. Them: OH, Father is good! If I said my mother? I got both reactions…) I never had to deal with the issues Grace faces (I am the oldest sibling of two) with her older, popular, outgoing, good-looking brother, Kyle. While Grace is just trying to get through the day, deal with her friendships, school, family, bullies, and finding a place to sit at lunch, her brother “ruins it for her.” Always. This modern feel and tone graphic novel, with an old school story of siblings, friendship, middle school, and self-esteem.
BonHyung Jeong’s illustrations match the tone of the text. Part classic graphic novel look and part anime/manga style. The colors, details, and panel placement all compliment their text. You know a lot about the personalities of the characters from the way the look and dress. You know and recognize them among your friends, family, siblings, classmates, and even yourself.
