The Horn Book Guide

OLDER FICTION

Kashyap, Keshni

Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary

247 pp. | Houghton | January, 2012 | Trade ISBN 978-0-618-94519-1 $18.95

(2) YA Illustrated by Mari Araki. Tina ponders "personal existential identity" and the universe in this graphic novel, a journaling project for her English class on existential philosophy. She writes (and draws) about her Indian American family; the sudden, painful end to her closest friendship; and Big Questions about life, meaning, and identity. Tina's a relatable protagonist, and her unusual perspective is enlightening; the illustrations are expressive.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012