The illustrations in this volume are gorgeous and immersive, and really bring the essence of the story to life. The characters are cutely designed until they transform into detailed, snarly werewolves. Sterle's illustrations captured some aspects of the popular teen media, like Archie and Disney movies with beautifully bright colors and lovely details. Sometimes, these received a full-page splash illustration and then it was over.

I would have liked to see a little more time spent on major plot points, reveals, or traumatic events. The story is very fast-paced, which will probably appeal to younger readers who will devour this book, but it was a bit of a detraction for me. Becca moves to an upscale Silicon Valley suburb and is surprised when she develops a bond with girls who belong to the popular clique-and even more.

There's also the exploration of personal identity, not just as supernatural creatures, but who they're attracted to. The girls are their own version of an answer to rape-culture and toxic masculinity as those are the only victims of their werewolf appetites. Heres the publishers description: Pretty Little Liars meets Teen Wolf in. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, son, and objectively perfect dog. There is the mother-daughter relationship between Becca and her mom, which is complicated like many teen relationships are. Maggie Tokuda-Hall is joining us today to talk about her graphic novel, Squad. Maggie Tokuda-Hall is the author Also an Octopus, illustrated by Benji Davies, The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea, Squad, illustrated by Lisa Sterle, and Love in the Library illustrated by Yas Imamura with more books forthcoming. Haven't read Squad yet? Take a listen and then get to your library or local indie bookstore to grab a copy! And then read while you're collecting your blood for future blood magik.There is a lot to unpack in this story, as Tokuda-Hall touches on so many topics with these four werewolf girls. Greenwillow, 21.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-06-294314-9. Maggie talks periods, the power of feminine anger, hashtag author life, and oh so much more. Lisa Sterles stylish illustrations paired with Maggie Tokuda-Halls sharp writing make Squad a fierce, haunting, and fast-paced thrillerthatwill resonate. Maggie joined us for our Bleeding Rainbow episode about her graphic novel Squad - a story centered around four teen girls who have a unique, yet very effective way of fighting the patriarchy - and have a strong relationship to the moon.

We know our blisteners love a good story (don't all podcast lovers?) so we KNOW you'll love Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall.