Praise for 7 Good Reasons Not to Grow Up:
"The vibrant, dynamic, full-color panel work succeeds in highlighting the youthful irreverence of the characters and their antics. Wonderfully balanced, this story entertains while also introducing serious topics in an accessible way... The highs and lows of growing up portrayed in an appealing, amusing, and heartfelt way." — Kirkus Reviews
"This graphic novel perfectly captures that fleeting moment between tweendom and teendom, when the urge to cleave to a sense of righteousness flares out into the realization that right and wrong aren't settled concepts... Gownley imbues it with plenty of sardonic, witty humor, and he buoys the art, which echoes the simplicity of Raina Telgemeier's cartooning and the retro cool of an Archie comic, with levity and brightness." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for The Dumbest Idea Ever!:
* "Gownley's story is wonderful; his small-town life is so vividly evinced it's difficult to not get lost in it." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A deeply personal and genuine work of autobiography, and an open letter of assurance to aspiring artists everywhere." — Publishers Weekly
"An excellent example of autobiographical sequential art at its most deeply felt." — Booklist
"This charming and inspiring tale will be enjoyed by fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile (Scholastic, 2010) and aspiring comics creators everywhere." — School Library Journal
2020-09-01
Kirby Finn is a modern-day Robin Hood who is always looking out for the underdog.
Kirby specializes in devising clever plans that empower kids to stand up to bullies and even rally the community together to save a friend’s family business. To his classmates at prestigious Greycliff Academy, he’s a hero. But like many heroes, Kirby harbors a painful secret. Despite a fierce loyalty to his friends, he dodges their questions about his family and home life. When the truth finally catches up to him, his friends learn the complicated reasons why he tries so hard to be heroic. Told with humor and authenticity, this book explores friendship dynamics, identity, and the uncertainty of the future. Kirby, his best friend, Raja, and their mutual crush, Kelly, all face their own challenges. Raja struggles to break free from his role as Kirby’s sidekick, and Kelly finds strength from surviving an adverse situation in her past. The vibrant, dynamic, full-color panel work succeeds in highlighting the youthful irreverence of the characters and their antics. Wonderfully balanced, this story entertains while also introducing serious topics in an accessible way. Kirby and Kelly present White; Raja is biracial with a White mother and brown-skinned father, and there is diversity in the supporting cast.
The highs and lows of growing up portrayed in an appealing, amusing, and heartfelt way. (author’s note; sketches, drawings, and deleted scenes) (Graphic fiction. 9-12)
