The Dark Matter of Mona Starr

(Paperback)

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Description

Eisner Awardnominated author Laura Lee Gulledges The Dark Matter of Mona Starr isa bold and original YA graphic novel about one teens battle to understand her mental illnessand find her creative genius.

Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. Shes sweet, geeky, and creative, but its 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 shes not good enough and that everyone around her wishes shed 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 fearsand 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)

Reviews

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

Author Bio

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.