A heart-touching story captured amidst a mildly haunting premise of a young girl — Marjorie — beginning middle-school with a bunch of her ghost friends in tow and another, quite odd but endearing, girl — Eliza — trying to capture ghosts through her photography passion. Continuing down the path of the first book, Sheets: where Marjorie is grieving the loss of her mother and trying to save her family's laundry business, with the help of a young boy's ghost, from a man who wishes to set up a hotel in its place, Delicates also delivers on the emotional aspects but through the extremely important themes of depression, bullying, and being or not being who you really are when the world asks you to fit in.

Beautiful artwork that takes the cold-blue vibes from the first graphic novel in the series is accompanied with the absolutely realistic portrayal of how the pain of being bullied, being alone, being invisible is overwhelming when the kindness and empathy you expect isn't awarded. Perfect for every demographic, but especially for teens who need to be reminded that purposeful confinement in a box of acceptable personas shouldn't be demanded nor delivered in the name of belonging to a school's social circle — and a note of mental health.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to review this book. I was happy to receive am ARC of this book, I loved Sheets, so I was excited to learn there would be a follow up. This story is cute and the illustrations are ever better. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys graphic novels.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brenna Thummler's art is wonderful! Pastel pink and lilac. But her stories are hard hitting and sad. Both Sheets and Delicates deal with friendship, grief, bullying, and suicidal thoughts... I love that the ghosts are the ones helping humans to pick up the pieces and slowly heal.
I really enjoyed reading both Sheets and Delicates. That being said - Delicates seemed to hit me harder.

CW: Bullying, racism, discussion of suicide, death of a parent

Delicates is a beautiful and ultimately hopeful coming-of-age story that continues Marjorie and Wendell's story as they navigate the changes that come with Marjorie entering eighth grade and a new social group. With the addition of an incredible new character—a misfit obsessed with ghost photography—it perfectly captures all the awkward awfulness of middle school as it tackles topics like bullying, depression, and finding your own voice with nuance and sensitivity. Brenna Thummler's art and signature color palate are stunning as always and this sequel completely lives up to Sheets, reminding us how precious life is while acknowledging the pain that comes with it.

After Marjorie discovered her family laundromat is full of ghosts using only sheets as bodies her life has never been the same. Wendell a young spirit has become Marjorie's closest and only friend. But Marjorie's former enemy has invited her to her friend group, and Marjorie now has a group of friends that take her away from Wendell. Entering 8th grade at the end of the summer is daunting, but for another girl it is even worse. Eliza is repeating the 8th grade, her fascination with Ghost Photography and her lack of social skills have kept her back a grade. She attempts to reach out to Marjorie but is pushed away because Marjorie is distracted by her new group of friends. Marjorie struggles with the need to keep friends she thinks she wants and the need to be a good person and keep the friends she already has.

I read and loved Sheets, even though it was considered a Middle Grade Novel I was in love with the story of Wendell the ghost and his human friend Marjorie. I was so interested to see what happened in the sequel. It was so well written. It deals with a different topic then the first, bringing suicidal thoughts into the storyline. This highlights a part of the ghost world you don't think about, those who choose to be there. It was well illustrated and the coloring with all the pastel colors help to flesh out the story.

This beginning of this book had me worried because Marjorie wasn't making the best decisions or hanging with the best people but as the book went on, she and the book redeemed itself for me. I really loved the last 25% of the book and how the characters interacted and grew into themselves. I even got a little emotional at times because of the topics touched on and how the characters supported each other through the good times and the bad times. I' wouldn't mind reading another of these books because they're so unique and fun!

ARC was provided by NetGalley and Oni Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review is being published before the release date (March 16, 2021)

👻 Sheets ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content/Trigger Warnings: Bullying, toxic friendships, manipulations, talk of death, mentions of racism, loss of a parent (in the past), loss of a loved one (in the past), allusions to depression, grief, depictions of suicidal ideation



“Except there’s nothing more delicate than a life.”

Friends, this graphic novel knocked my socks off! I really liked Sheets, but this Delicates was a whole other level for me. This graphic novel hit home in so many ways and I ended up in my feels. Brenna Thummler always has an important message in their books and the one in this graphic novel is so damn important. I just really loved this graphic novel so, so much and if you haven’t started this series yet, please do!

Following the events that took place in Sheets, Marjorie, our laundromat girl who looks after the ghosts who live there, is back in an all new story about navigating friendships and what it to be a middle schooler who feels out of place. Also, we’re introduced to a new character, Eliza Duncan, an avid photographer who spends most of her time in the school’s dark room and ghost hunting for her next photograph. Eliza doesn’t have any friends and through that loneliness (as well as Wendall), we see Eliza’s story truly unfold.

I love the characters in this graphic novel. When Eliza’s character was introduced, I instantly wanted to know more about her, about the backstory, and why Eliza likes to ghost hunt. I think many readers are going to enjoy Eliza’s character and the way her storyline plays out. Of course, I love Wendall and Marjorie, and the friendship they share with one another. I love how it’s not a perfect friendship, that there’s bumps along the way, but I love how everything comes together with them. Also, I really enjoyed the intersecting storylines of Eliza and Marjorie. They have a really rough path, but the conclusion with them was really wonderful.

“Humans are delicate too. The teeniest mistake can ruin them, even if you do everything else right. Just because mistakes seem small and insignificant, doesn’t mean they are.”

Of course, I have to talk family dynamics. I feel that this is one aspect of this graphic novel series no one talks about a lot. Marjorie comes from a single parent household, a widowed father of two. In the first book we saw him struggle with grief and depression. Now in book two, we see the hardships of what it means to be a single parent and trying to start you life again after the loss of your partner. There’s also Eliza’s family, who’s far from perfect. We see Eliza’s parents struggle to find balance within their home life. From schedule struggles to trying to co-parent the best they can of three children, these two are tackling the hardships the best they can even if it does stir up some disagreements. I love family dynamics and I love family dynamics that show the more realistic side of what families go through instead of the typical “rainbows and sunshine” family trope.

As I mentioned above, this graphic novel deals a lot with mental health. I think many of us can remember a time in school where we experienced peer pressure, bullying, or maybe some of us felt like outcasts. And Thummler doesn’t hold back from when we’re going through those hardships. This opens up to the bigger discussion of suicide and how during this point in many teenagers lives, they feel like they’ve hit a rock bottom and find it impossible to get back up once they reach that point. For myself, reading this was really emotional because of the friends I’ve lost to suicide and from the low points I’ve reached in my past. And I truly believe this graphic novel is going to resonate with so many readers like it did with myself. Truly, this graphic novel is going to touch the hearts of so many readers.

“Life is a precious thing, dearie. It has skin that feels. And feet that can dance. And hearts that can love and be loved.”

Overall, I loved this graphic novel so much. I love how there’s so many important themes laced throughout this graphic novel, how many important discussions this will spark. Truly, this hits like a ton of bricks and so many readers will resonate with the messages in this book. And I just wanted to say that if you do feel like you’re in a dark place, please reach out to loved ones or reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Please know that I see you, that you are loved, and that I’m so glad that you’re here.


The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

Absolutely gorgeous follow-up to SHEETS, DELICATES captures that aching, awkward feeling of navigating that space between childhood and young adulthood. One of the things I love about Thummler's work is how the color grabs your attention from the very first page. The bruised purples and blues throughout infuse DELICATES with a wistfulness that reflects the stop-and-go journey of figuring out who you are and who your friends are (and aren't) of middle school.
DELICATES was a bit darker and heavier than I expected, but not unreasonably so - it is an honest and careful exploration of the dynamics of bullying and the complicated friendships one can get stuck in. Best of all, the darkness here isn't overwhelming! There is a space for hope and growth, and a powerful message on the importance of asking for help and visibilizing both ourselves and the impacts we have on others.
I'm so excited to recommend this to friends-- I think even older readers will find a space for DELICATES as a reminder of our need to see and be seen in trying times.

"Delicates" is a sweet, beautifully written graphic novel about belonging and staying true to who you are. The art style is gorgeous, and perfectly matches the voice of the story. Perfect for fans of 'Pumpkinheads' or 'Mooncakes', I can only recommend this book to anyone who loves carefully crafted stories, and sweet, hopeful endings.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.

Ever since I read Sheets I feel in love with Wendell and his story so when I saw the second installment I knew I had to read it as soon as possible.

In Delicates we follow the events after Sheets as Marjorie navigates her way through a new group of friends and dealing with her new popularity while trying to maintain a friendship with Wendell.

From the outside this graphic novel seems young, fun and easy to read, however it is very much the opposite. In this graphic novel the author touches upon very serious topics such as bullying, depression, and suicide, so please keep this in mind if you are interested in reading it.

This graphic novel tells such a powerful story about what it means to want to fit in, and the effects that has on those who stay on the outside. It manages to perfectly represent what it´s like to feel invisible and casts a light on the importance of feeling seen and appreciated.

Overall, this is an essential read because it is a story about asking for help when all seems lost, it is about how we can bring light to those who need it the most and how we should always be mindful of our actions because we never know what the other person is going through.

Delicates is definitely one of the best books I have read this year and I can’t believe that in just under 300 pages this graphic novel managed to make me cry, laugh, smile and feel hopeful.

Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me read and review this book.

𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤🌻: Delicates is a beautifully illustrated and written book, it’s the sequel to Sheets but you can read this without having to read the first book.

This book isn’t just beautiful because of its illustrations but because of the lessons you can learn from it. I’m so happy by the way that the characters developed throughout the story, Marjorie could have been nicer to Wendell but I’m glad they worked it out in the end!

The two greatest lessons I learned from Delicates is, not to bully or make assumptions about people just because they sound weird and also that suicide or any thoughts about it won’t make things better, it just transfers the pain to the people you love.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would love to continue this series!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for providing me a free E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.


𝑀𝑦 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔🌻: ★★★★☆

I loved this just as much as the first one and find that in can be so relatable to others. Great job!

Thank you, NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is so important. Going into this book I don't know what I was expecting. I have only ever enjoyed 1 graphic novel so I didn't want to set my expectations too high. I think that everybody should read this book it covers some very important topics and themes that everybody should read about.

I loved the diversity in this novel I don't think I have read a book with this much diversity ever. There were people of color, people with disabilities, and people that struggled with their mental health. I think that everybody should give this book a go because it discusses so much in so few pages.

Trigger Warning: suicidal thoughts

The sequel to Sheets. Marjorie is finally starting to be accepted at school but what if they find out about her secret ghost friends?

The feels start before the story even begins. The book is dedicated to "anyone who feels lost, hurt, or alone. You matter." Wow. It has the same color scheme as the original so lots of bright colors. When Wendill was feeling upset and out of place everything was in shades of blue. The book was so emotional and amazing.

Sheets was a huge hit in my classroom and Delicates will be equally loved.

Delicates continues the story of Marjorie and her ghost friends who live in her family's laundromat. The story started in the first book 'Sheets' which unfortunately I haven't read but will definitely seek out now that I've read Delicates. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book which is a quietly beautiful story of friendship and acceptance.

Marjorie goes on a journey of growth and learns by the end of the story that popularity is no substitute for meaningful friendship. Delicates looks at grief, bullying and loneliness in a way I think would speak to young adults and adults alike without talking down to either audience. My favourite characters were Eliza and Wendell the ghost who were so lovable and gorgeous! In the end Marjorie and Eliza save each other which was sensitively and thoughtfully conveyed throughout the story. The artwork is lovely too with colour used expertly to convey emotion and mood.

I would definitely recommend this graphic novel and think that everyone would take something from it. If you can, I would also recommend reading Sheets first so you can get the most out of the reading experience and get to spend even more time with these wonderful characters.

“Everyone has ghosts. I think we all need to learn that there’s no shame in letting them out.”

Delicates is the beautiful sequel to Brenna Thummler’s “Sheets.” Delicates brings us to one year after Sheets and Majorie is trying to be a normal middle schooler and spend time with her Ghost friends. There is also Eliza, who feels like a ghost.

The art in this graphic novel is so beautiful. The two page spreads blew me away, every single time. The images are simple, but they really say so much. I love the solid colors and the moodiness to the whole story.

I love how it explores the process of grieving and trying to get your life on track and finding your identity

It’s whimsical and heartfelt. I really wanted to cry towards the end. A definite must read!

The next book in the Sheets series does not disappoint. Similar in tone to the first one, another great story... unfolds.... see what I did there?

Marjorie finds herself accepted by the popular crowd. But that means hiding who she is, who the ghosts are, and not being friendly to someone ( Eliza) who wants to be her friend. Is it worth it? Wendell feels awful, as does Eliza and things take a turn for the worst.

I enjoyed this story and found that anyone can relate to it. One has to mold oneself into what they aren’t in order to keep the status quo sometimes. Of course you can just be yourself, but you might lose other things you hold dear, especially when you are young. Highly recommended.

Everyone can relate to Delicates in one way or another. Heartwarming story about the issues with fitting in and making friends. It also touches on suicidal thoughts and how to handle them. I did not enjoy it as much as the first one but it was still a lovely read. The art is top notch again. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.

I'm just going to start by saying that I haven't read the first book! I requested the ARC without realising it was a sequel, and then when I realised I thought why not read it anyway. Although I probably missed some context, it didn't impact my enjoyment of the book! It was easy to get into the story and connect to the characters without too much background.

Delicates follows Marjorie, an eighth grader who is trying to fit in with a new group at school, who also happens to have ghosts in her laundry room. We also meet Eliza, a black neurodivergent girl who is convinced ghosts exist and tries to prove it by photography, but Marjorie's group constantly make fun of her for being different.

Initially I thought it would just be a light, shallow graphic novel but I was very wrong. Delicates was a heart-warming story that discussed many subjects like identity, bullying and grief in a way that would be accessible for younger and older readers despite some dark topics. It resolved nicely and I loved the hopeful ending. While it might not be a new favourite, Delicates was a fun graphic novel with lots to say.
Also, the art style and palette was stunning!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. So beautifully illustrated. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to a ARC copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

A moving, poignant story about bullying, depression, pain, friends and being a teenager. Delicates delicately deals with such sensitive topics.

I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. This is the second book, but reads clearly even without reading the first instalment. I’m keen to read more work by Brenna Thummler.