I definitely could have used a graphic novel like this when I was in high school. Many of the characters are quite relatable. Wise cracking know it all Lisa made me chuckle, while sensitive and quiet Skim had moments where my heart ached for her. There wasn't really an advanced plot, but more of a focus on the reflections of a teenage girl responding to the many people and situations in her life. I enjoyed the nonchalant approach to some controversial issues.

Favorite graphic novel this year.

The problem with a really good graphic novel is that it is easy to read through it too quickly. This is true for Skim. The images are good but the story is better and that will make you breeze through it. I plan on checking it out again so I can reread it at a slower pace to savor it.

The ending was decidedly abrupt, but otherwise I adored this graphic novel. Tons of complexity and oozing with teenage angst

Skim is a sensitive and gentle story of a girl's struggle with high-school and budding sexual identity. The illustrations have the delicate brush-work of Japanese caligrophy. Each face has it’s own unique and subtle expression. The writing is intimate and perfectly reveals the heart of character. Together writer and artist dance intimately in an intricate performance; Neither dominates the other and both complimenting the other. The story itself is a beautifully touching in it’s subtlety and elegance. A must read for those who love expressive stories about humanity, love, loss, identity and growing up. P.S. Mariko and her cousin Jillian were nominated in four categories in the Eisner Awards 2009 and won Best Book at the 2009 Doug Wright Awards.

An easy read, good illustrations to follow story. A high school drama, something we grow out of, thank goodness.

nicely illustrated, takes place in Toronto