Reel Life: A Graphic Novel - by Kane Lynch

About the Book

"When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos. He knows he shouldn't like his dad's home-wrecker girlfriend Jasmine, but she isn't a jerk like he expected. Then his mom brings home a new boyfriend--and his teenage daughter! To top it off, Galen's friend Kyle has inexplicably become really mean. To process these confusing emotions, Galen and his best friend Luna decide to make a documentary movie all about his parents' divorce. But will the reel life of filmmaking help Galen face his real life?"--

Book Synopsis

A standout graphic novel debut about a boy whose parents unexpectedly divorce, perfect for fans of Stepping Stones, Allergic, and Twins.

When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos. He knows he shouldn't like his dad's home-wrecker girlfriend, Jasmine, but she isn't a jerk like he expected. Then his mom brings home a new boyfriend -- and his teenage daughter! To top it off, Galen's friend Kyle has inexplicably become really mean. To process these confusing emotions, Galen and his best friend, Luna, decide to make a documentary movie all about his parents' divorce. But will the reel life of filmmaking help Galen face his real life?

Author-illustrator Kane Lynch draws on childhood experiences to tell a nuanced and deeply empathetic story about the messy, awkward, and sometimes funny dilemmas that result from evolving families and friendships.

Review Quotes

"Drawing on childhood experiences, Lynch's evocative graphic novel debut sagely captures the angst and unease of early adolescence. Galen's journey is fraught but accessibly portrayed, acknowledging the difficulties that parental separation and recoupling can bring. Cinematic full-color illustrations center the action throughout the tidy panels, keeping the pages turning with Lynch's stylized art. Fans of Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Shannon Hale will find much to love." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Lynch's bold, colorful art nicely captures the emotions of the characters, particularly as Galen and Luna work on editing their documentary. This thoughtful and accessible comic excellently explores the complicated feelings that are part of divorce and shines light on both the highs and lows of the experience." -- Booklist

"A thoughtful drama with richly drawn characters, and a meaningful exercise in empathy for young readers." -- School Library Journal

"Lynch expertly juggles subplots in the many nuanced aspects of Galen's uprooted life to create a fictional narrative of divorce that nonetheless feels raw, particularly in the realistic dialogue." -- Shelf Awareness

"With warm artwork and vulnerable storytelling, Kane Lynch's Reel Life provides insight into the complex feelings of a child whose parents are in the middle of divorce. Kane's book will validate the complicated emotions of children in similar circumstances, and encourage all of us to better empathize with those who are experiencing a change in family dynamics. For those reasons, and many more, I highly recommend Reel Life for kids and parents alike." -- Wes Molebash, author and artist of Travis Daventhorpe for the Win!

"Compelling, honest, and sweet, I loved Reel Life by Kane Lynch. The book effortlessly explores the complexity of modern family relationships in a sincere and nuanced way. From the beautiful, expressive cartooning to the realistic, loveable characters, Reel Life will mean a lot to kids and adults alike." -- Jade Armstrong, author and artist of Scout is Not a Band Kid

"Reel Life is a powerhouse of emotion, with positive examples of how to direct that emotion in useful and creative ways, and extend empathy to those dealing with difficult feelings of their own. Kane gives each and every character true depth and doesn't shy away from the messy complications of life. An important read!" -- Ryan Estrada, co-author of Banned Book Club

About the Author

Kane Lynch is a cartoonist from California's Central Coast whose comics and illustrations have appeared in The Nib, Slate, and Psychology Today. Kane studied film at UC Santa Cruz and cartooning at the Center for Cartoon Studies and today teaches comic-making to students of all ages. Reel Life is Kane's debut kids' graphic novel. You can learn more at KaneToons.com.