Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper by Brie Spangler

Abstract

Reviewed by: Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper by Brie Spangler Danica Ronquillo Spangler, Brie Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper; written and illus. by Brie Spangler. Knopf, 2023 [272p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593428498 $21.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9780593428481 $13.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593428504 $8.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 6-8 Seventh-grader Gemma Hopper resents her baseball star older brother—after all, she loves the sport, too, but since her parents' divorce, she's had to be the responsible sibling and take care of any chores or needs at home. Still, she and her brother practice together when they can, and one afternoon in particular reveals Gemma's skill for the sport when she outpitches her brother. This opens a rift between the siblings, and the more Gemma recognizes her passion for baseball, the more she is conflicted about abandoning her family duties and relationships for her own needs. Brie's powerful middle-grade graphic novel is a tribute to women in sports while focusing on the delicate intricacies of family relationships and friendships. White, black, and gradients of green and blue highlight the innovative composition and panels that coordinate well with the moving narrative. Dark shading and curved lines in the dynamic illustrations express isolation and uncertainty when the characters are provoked, with captions narrating Gemma's struggles to communicate her true thoughts and feelings about her identity with baseball, school, and family. Appropriately lengthy dialogue in the speech bubbles between Teddy and Gemma capture a complex and genuine sibling bond as they share the same insecurities for the future and deal with the fallout of their parents' divorce. Sports fans seeking ways to juggle life will appreciate this heart-warming read about finding yourself in the things you love and being your own hero. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois