Whistle by E. Lockhart illustrated by Manuel Preitano
From New York Times bestselling author E. Lockhart (Genuine Fraud, We Were Liars) and artist Manuel Preitano (The Oracle Code) comes a new Gotham City superhero in this exciting YA graphic novel.
Sixteen-year-old Willow Zimmerman has something to say. When she’s not on the streets advocating for her community, she’s volunteering at the local pet shelter. She seeks to help all those in need, even the stray dog she’s named Lebowitz that follows her around. But as much as she does for the world around her, she struggles closer to home–taking care of her mother, recently diagnosed with cancer. Her job as an adjunct professor of Jewish studies does not provide adequate health insurance–and Willow can see that time is running out.
When in desperation she reconnects with her estranged “uncle” Edward, he opens the door to an easier life. Through simple jobs, such as hosting his private poker nights with Gotham City’s elites, she is able to keep her family afloat–and afford critical medical treatments for her mother.
Willow’s family life quickly improves through the income provided by these jobs, but it comes at the cost of distancing herself from the people she truly cares about. Her time is now spent on new connections, such as biologist and teacher Pammie Isley. And when Willow and Lebowitz collide with the monstrous Killer Croc outside the local synagogue, they are both injured, only to wake up being able to understand each other. And there are other developments, too…strange ways in which they’ve become stronger together. Willow’s activism kicks into high gear–with these powers, she can really save the world!
But when Willow discovers that Edward and his friends are actually some of Gotham’s most corrupt criminals, she must make a choice: remain loyal to the man who kept her family together, or use her new powers to be a voice for her community.
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I really loved this one! Willow was so easy to like. She’s passionate about her community and loves people and dogs. She wants to do so much good, but also learns that she has to do some shady stuff to help. Her mom has cancer and they can’t afford their treatments. When an old family friend shows back up offering to help, Willow agrees and keeps it from her mom. She’s just setting up poker games. But the man is The Riddler and her new friend is Poison Ivy. Willow is torn on what she’s doing and after she’s attacked, she is connected to a stray dog who was helping her. She can hear better and they can talk to each other. Willow decides to make some changes for the better while still making the money to help her mom.
As much as I loved Willow, I loved the dog, Lebowitz even more. I’m such a dog person and it made me love the graphic novel even more. I’m really excited to see where this goes in the future. I definitely want more.
I gave this book 5 stars. Thank you to DC for providing me with an early ebook for review.
Is this one on your TBR? Have you been reading the new DC YA graphic novels?
Confessions of a YA Reader 