Category: Graphic Novel/Fiction
Publisher: Groundwood Books
ISBN-13:9780888997531
Pub. Date: February 2008
Date Read: August 2008
"I am: Kimberly Keiko Cameron (aka Skim); My Best Friend: Lisa Soor; My Cat: Sumo; Interests: Wicca, tarot cards, astrology (me = aquarius = very unpredictable), philosophy; Favorite color: red"
It's 1993 and Skim is a student at a private girls' school in Toronto. In this graphic novel which reads like Skim's diary, we are privy to the everyday life of a young woman looking for acceptance.
With her friend Lisa, Skim goes to a witches coven only to be disappointed after finding out it was an AA meeting held in the woods. Still she maintains her interest in wicca.
On one day when she skips class because she can't handle any sport or gym related activity involving balls, she goes to the woods to smoke and ends up running into her teacher Ms. Archer, the drama and English teacher.
Skim develops a big crush on her teacher and is sure it is reciprocrated. She starts lying to her friend and even avoiding her. All her thoughts are on Ms. Archer.
Aside from this storyline, Skim's school is reeling from the death of a young boy who was going out with one of the popular girls. Skim may not have known the young man but the aftermath of his suicide is felt by many in the school.
The author touches on difficult subjects such as the suicide, depression, and sexuality. I liked Skim, she was vulnerable yet tough and while she goes through a big year in her life she ends up stronger and wiser at the end of the story.