Constellations by Kate Glasheen. Holiday House, 2023. 9780823450718
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format : Hardcover graphic novel
Genre : Realistic fiction
What did you like about the book? Claire’s family thinks she’s a girl. But Claire herself isn’t sure: “I’m not a boy. I’m not a girl, really. But there’s no other ways to be, so that makes me a mistake.” When a girl is attracted to her, Claire is confused. Her family is no help; according to them, “Sex is shameful…Gay is wrong.” Relationships are tricky when you’re not sure of who you are and high school is torturous because, hello?, there’s definitely no DEI in 1980s Troy, New York. So Claire drinks to numb the pain of existing. When she is sent to mandatory youth rehab after an accident, Claire begins the long slow process of self healing. She’s in a program with other kids her age, all of whom are drug users and everyone has a terrible back story. They are led by a counselor named Charlie, himself a recovered alcoholic. He strongly urges Claire to dig deep. The kids all try to learn self care, boundaries, the difference between feelings and reality, and other important concepts in recovery. I really grew to love Charlie and felt so invested in Claire feeling better.
The confusion Claire feels is so painful to read; I wanted her parents and other adults to care enough to help her, although who would have been qualified at the time the story takes place? I was so grateful for Charlie. At the end, Claire says, “Am I a girl or a boy?…I’m neither. I’m both.” Then, it feels a lot more optimistic that there is an answer and she will find it. This is a truly moving and ultimately hopeful story. I wish all parents of kids who are questioning their identity would read the book as a cautionary tale of what can happen if a person isn’t allowed to be who they really are. The expressive hand drawn art creatively and effectively mirrors both Claire’s experiences and worry fantasies. An author’s note explains that the story is semi-autobiographical.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? Due to graphic drug use, I would hand this to ages 16 and up. It’s an excellent resource for parents and kids alike to understand gender nonconformity.
Who should buy this book? High school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Teen or adult graphic fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes, it’s a compelling read.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: August 21, 2023
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