Kane Lynch’s debut graphic novel, Reel Life examines the complex emotions held by young people, especially when their parents are experiencing relationship difficulty.
In April, three tweens: Kyle, Galen, and Luna are engaged with their movie production plan when Kyle has an emotional outburst, causing him to walk away from the project and his friend group. By May, Galen’s dad is moving out. As Galen navigates visits between his dad’s new place and his mom’s home base, he begins to understand what Kyle has been going through.
This is a relevant book for young people who might need the guidance when parents are divorcing. An added benefit of the novel is the multiple meanings that the term reel takes on as Lynch asks: Will the reel life of movie making help Galen deal with his real life?
- Donna