Sheets

August 13, 2018
Marjorie Glatt, 13, pulls triple duty in her life. She navigates the cliques and challenges of school, takes care of her brother and deeply depressed father, and runs Glatt’s Laundry, her deceased mother’s business. But her balancing act wavers thanks to two arrivals: Mr. Saubertuck, who is scheming to acquire the laundry’s building for his new spa, and Wendell, a ghost clad in traditional white sheets. Wendell seeks friendship, but he fouls up Marjorie’s work each night, making difficult customers even more unbearable and perhaps necessitating the sale to Saubertuck. To make things right with Marjorie, Wendell may need to reveal himself and the ways of ghosts, which could land him in deeper trouble. With washed-out coloring, many wordless panel sequences of Marjorie alone, and simply drawn facial expressions, the artwork effectively illustrates Marjorie’s sense of isolation. Thummler’s debut graphic novel tempers references to Marjorie’s adult-size responsibilities with a lighter splash of the supernatural to create a smart story about friendship and grit. Ages 9–12.

May 1, 2018

Gr 6 Up-Struggling to cope after the death of her mother, Marjorie has to look after her father, who has depression, and her little brother; attend high school; and run the family laundromat business, where they all live and work. At school, other classmates bully her, and a pushy man is eager to take over the laundromat. And as if this isn't enough, young Wendell, a ghost who is unhappy being dead and surrounded by other spirits, haunts Marjorie and her business. The characters are distinct, and the villain is delightfully vile and self-absorbed. The ghosts, who must wear sheets to be visible, are every bit as sympathetic as the humans. The artwork is charming, and the backgrounds are lovingly detailed, with amusing and often punny elements. The contrast between Marjorie's warm, candy-colored world and Wendell's stark, monochrome Land of Ghosts adds life (and death) and dimension to the story. Panels vary in size, which enriches the narrative. VERDICT This heartfelt, lingering tale of friendship, family, and forgiveness will captivate children and adults alike, especially those who have experienced loss.-Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT

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