Wilhelmina "Will" Huxstep is a creative soul struggling to come to terms
with a family tragedy. She crafts whimsical lamps, in part to deal with
her fear of the dark. As she wraps up another summer in her mountain
town, she longs for unplugged adventures with her fellow creative
friends, Autumn, Noel, and Reese. Little does she know that she will get
her wish in the form of an arts carnival and a blackout, courtesy of a
hurricane named Whitney, which forces Will to face her fear of
darkness.
Laura Lee Gulledge's signature visual metaphors will be on full display
in this all-new graphic novel, a moving look at shedding light on the
dark corners of life.
Praise for Will & Whit
STARRED REVIEW
This sophomore offering shines as bright as the lamps Will surrounds
herself with... Quirky, clever and insightful.
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Gulledge creates engaging characters (especially Reese, Noel's
precocious younger sister), and draws them with believable
expressiveness... Gulledge's values are wholesome, and her energy is
up-to-the minute fresh.
--Publishers Weekly
The most striking feature about Gulledge's second graphic novel is the
organic nature of the layouts. Action and dialogue flow smoothly from
panel to panel, barely acknowledging their confines. Thick, sumptuous
lines separate characters from richly detailed backgrounds, and this is
all done in black and white. Gulledge populates her story with unique
and likable characters who relate easily and naturally to one another.
--School Library Journal
Across the reaches of YA-targeted media, it's rare to find a work with
such a relentlessly upbeat tone and sense of uncompromising positivity
as those found in this graphic novel.
--Booklist
The shape and pacing of panels expertly capture the narrative's tone;
occasionally the panels disappear altogether, giving the images a dreamy
feel. Eloquent pointillist shadows reveal Will's emotions--especially
her fears and insecurities--and her expansive imagination.
--HornBook
Rendered in black and white panels, this graphic novel provides a
surprisingly light-hearted story with a strong emotional core. Detailed
backgrounds draw the reader into the scene, while the mixture of group
shots and individual faces guides the narrative through social and
introspective moments.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Willhemena learns to deal with the shadows from her past and take a big
step toward adulthood. This is a satisfying coming-of-age story with a
good plot and strong images.
--Library Media Connection
Award
YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens List 2014 (Top Ten Title)
Texas Library Association Maverick Graphic Novel 2014 list
Kirkus Best Book of 2013
