The Girl from the Sea
Ratings130
Average rating4.1
I've been reading a lot of graphic novels this year and when I came across this one on Libby, I placed a hold on it. Obviously being a graphic novel, it is a quick and easy read which I love. I loved the graphics in this, and I thought the relationship was cute and kind of sad as well. I didn't really fully care for any of the characters. I didn't hate them I just didn't get attached to them like I usually do when reading. I feel like I needed more to be fully immersed in the story and characters.
A wonderful book with a myriad of great messages from coming-of-age themes to environmental activism and LGBTQ+ rep. The art style is beautiful, and my gosh I connected to the main character (her coming-of-age and gay experiences mirrored mine almost exactly!). Ostertag blew me away with this one from the writing to the art to the characters, and I swooned over the whole style and message of this book for hours after I read it. This is the type of book that'll connect to younger readers (the mc is 15, I believe), those my age (20s) and those even older. Truly beautiful read.
A mostly sweet story about coming out and falling in love for the first time. I've always loved the selkie stories and this was perfect for middle grades.
3.5 Stars. It's a cute story but I think the romance between Keltie and Morgan was a little too intense for them both being so young. Also, I know she was upset, but I don't think Serena's anger at Morgan not coming out to her before was justified. People act all affronted when queer people don't immediately come out to them but they don't owe anyone anything.
(7/17/2023) fantastic showing from one half of the ostertag/stevenson power duo. i flipped through a few pages at the library and was initially thinking based on the art style, teen characters, and illustrated group text exchanges that it'd be a tad too YA for my tastes (if there even is such a thing), but the group texts ended up being a clever storytelling device that both marked the passage of time and evolving relationships between the characters, and the dialogue was full of personality throughout without being a) written by an adult tryharding how teenagers talk or b) way too specific with slang or references to be relevant in a few years. also there are many cute gay kisses.
It's predictable, yes, but I am a sucker for a selkie story, and a difficult romance.
i UGLY cried to this book. not in a sad way. in a heartwrenchingly pure way.
coming to terms with sexuality is not guaranteed to fun, romantic, or even heartwarming story but this really takes all of those things and throws it into one perfectly wrapped up package.
i read this in 40 minutes and damn, , my eyes do be leaking tho.
i don't NEEED a sequel but like,, , , i wouldn't be upset if ostertag decided to give us a vingette of where morgan and keltie are 7 years later. or you know what? i think im better off just imagining a happy ending for them in my head.
Beautifully illustrated and a gorgeous story, a melding of folklore and queerness. It's a tale of identity, acceptance (including self-acceptance) and a little bit of environmentalism too! What's not to love? Even this jaded old creature's eyes were slightly damp by the end.
I flew through it in half and hour - I hate reading graphic novels on my phone. I'll definitely be buying a paper copy so I can linger over Ostertag's delightful drawings at leisure.
This was so lovely
This was a lovely and beautiful graphic novel about first love. Figuring out how to be your most authentic and vulnerable self with those you love the most. It really got me in the feels, felt the old dust in the eyes at a few parts. But in the end it made my heart happy.
Such an enchanting tale and cast of characters. I loved reading this beautiful story.
I just wish things could be easier for kids/young adults. I wish adults could make it easier and kids wouldn't think they are so alone in life.
Graphics were awesome, the story was beautiful but like most Selkie stories; sad.
