The Dark Matter of Mona Starr - by Laura Lee Gulledge (Paperback)

About the Book

"A bold and original YA graphic novel about battling your inner doubts and fears-and finding your genius."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Eisner Award-nominated author Laura Lee Gulledge's The Dark Matter of Mona Starr isa bold and original YA graphic novel about one teen's battle to understand her mental illness--and find her creative genius.

Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She's sweet, geeky, and creative, but it's hard for her to make friends and connect with other people, and her depression seems to take on a vivid, concrete form. She calls it her Matter.

The Matter seems to be everywhere, telling Mona she's not good enough and that everyone around her wishes she'd go away. But with therapy, art, writing, and the persistence of a few good friends, Mona starts to understand her Matter and how she can turn her fears into strengths.

Heartfelt, emotionally vulnerable, and visually stunning, The Dark Matter of Mona Starr is a story about battling your inner doubts and fears--and finding your creative genius.

"This immersive portrayal of a sensitive teen learning to live with mental illness will earn nods of recognition from readers coping with anxiety or depression but will also resonate with young people facing any fear." --School Library Journal (Starred Review)

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"This immersive portrayal of a sensitive teen learning to live with mental illness will earn nods of recognition from readers coping with anxiety or depression but will also resonate with young people facing any fear."--School Library Journal

"Critically normalizes self-care as its protagonist learns to become vulnerable and advocate for herself and her needs."--Publishers Weekly

"Introspective, honest, and hopeful, this is a realistic look at the impacts of mental illness that so many youth experience." --Booklist

"Quietly arresting and ultimately empowering."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Laura Lee Gulledge is the author of the graphic novels Will & Whit and Page by Paige, which was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award. She is also a teaching artist as seen through her interactive book Sketchbook Dares: 24 Ways to Draw Out Your Inner Artist. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.