Monique Couvson's latest graphic novel, "Charisma’s Turn," is a shining beacon of empowerment and inspiration for young readers everywhere. Following in the footsteps of her groundbreaking works, Couvson continues to champion the voices of Black girls with a narrative that is both timely and transformative.

In "Charisma’s Turn," readers are introduced to the dynamic character of Charisma, a Black high school student navigating the complexities of home and school life. As Charisma grapples with mounting pressures and challenges, she finds herself at a crossroads where her choices could shape her future. Couvson's storytelling prowess shines through as she deftly weaves together themes of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery.

The vibrantly illustrated artwork by Amanda Jones breathes life into Couvson's narrative, capturing the essence of Charisma's journey with stunning detail and emotion. From the intricate facial expressions to the richly depicted settings, Jones's illustrations enhance the reader's immersion in Charisma's world, making each page a visual delight.

With a foreword by poet, artist, and arts educator Susan Arauz Barnes, "Charisma’s Turn" is a testament to the power of storytelling to effect change and ignite hope. Couvson's narrative not only entertains but also educates, offering valuable insights into the experiences of Black girls and the transformative impact of supportive communities and educators.

As a mother of three daughters, I cannot praise this book enough. "Charisma’s Turn" is a must-read for young readers seeking inspiration and empowerment. It reminds us all that no matter the challenges we face, we have the power to shape our own destiny and change the world for the better. Thank you, Monique Couvson, for giving voice to the Charismas of this generation and paving the way for a brighter future.

I personally want to thank the author and Netgallery for the advance copy. I truly appreciate it.

I'm thankful this book exists. I know there are some kids who need to see that they can all bring about change and educate the adults. There is also a large amount of kids who get missed because they continually get punished when all they needed was someone to listen and see them. The messages in Charisma's Turn are so important. The Charisma's of this generation are going to change the world for the better and I can't wait.

This was a perfectly fine graphic novel, but I found myself wanting more depth. It was a quick read, which is always nice, and I think many children will likely enjoy it. I found the story feeling very surface-level and I just wanted more from the story and the character's journey. It unfortunately didn't feel particularly memorable.

I do look forward to reading more from this author and seeing how her work grows!

I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

This is a captivating piece of literature that explores the concept of charisma and its influence on individuals and society. With compelling storytelling and nuanced characters, the author delves into the power of charisma to shape destinies, inspire change, and command attention.

Classic literature, restorative Justice, and environmental issues merge in this wonderful graphic novel. I loved the way each of these things drove the plot to a satisfying resolution. The main character, Charisma, is someone I think a lot of girls can relate to. I will definitely recommend this book to others!

Charisma's Turn: A Graphic Novel by Monique Couvson is an exhilarating and visually stunning work that combines captivating storytelling with dynamic illustrations. With its engaging plot, well-defined characters, and striking artwork, this graphic novel is a thrilling and immersive reading experience.
The story follows Charisma Turner, a senior who has some trouble controlling her emotions; at home, she helps her mother take care of her brother, who has asthma. Couvson's writing brings the narrative to life, creating a fast-paced atmosphere that keeps readers hooked from the very first page.
One of the standout features of Charisma's Turn is the exceptional artwork that accompanies the story. Jone’s illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and action-packed, effectively capturing the intensity and emotion of each scene. The use of color, shading, and panel layout enhances the storytelling, immersing readers in the world of Charisma Turner.
The characters in the graphic novel are well-developed and visually distinctive. Charisma, in particular, is a compelling and relatable protagonist, portrayed with strength, intelligence, and a determination to inspire others. The supporting cast of characters adds depth to the story, each with their own unique motivations and secrets.
Couvson's storytelling prowess is evident in the seamless integration of text and visuals. The dialogue is sharp and concise, effectively conveying the characters' emotions and driving the plot forward. The pacing of the narrative is well-executed, with a good balance between action-packed sequences and quieter moments of character development.
While Charisma's Turn is an enthralling graphic novel, there are instances where the complexity of the plot and character dynamics could have been further explored. The story occasionally rushes through certain developments, leaving readers wanting more in terms of backstory and depth. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, Charisma's Turn is an exciting and visually stunning graphic novel that combines gripping storytelling with captivating artwork. Monique Couvson's skillful storytelling and Jone’s dynamic illustrations make this a standout work in the genre.
Whether you're a seasoned graphic novel reader or new to the format, Charisma's Turn is a thrilling and visually striking experience that shouldn't be missed. Monique Couvson's graphic novel offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre, and it is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating future installments.

Thanks so much NetGalley and The New Press for access to this powerful arc!

4.5/5 stars rounded up!

This was such a fantastic graphic novel. It really shows just how influential the right people - and the right books! - can be in a young person's life, especially those that are marginalized and feel that everything is stacked against them from the off. Watching Charisma grow into a strong young adult was very powerful and inspiring!

My only gripe is that some of the voice bubbles were not really in an intuitive reading positioning, so sometimes I read the page is a very round about way - but that could be just me!

This was such a wonderful and heartfelt story about a young Black girl discovering what she's passionate about.

It talks about the ways the system often fails young Black girls and what they need to thrive is people who believe in them.

My only gripe is that some of the illustration was a bit off but I don't think that should take away from how beautiful and important this graphic novel is

CW: Racism

Charisma is always seen as the "angry Black girl" who is unable to control her temper and acts before she thinks. After an altercation turns physical in class, Charisma finds a supporter in her counselor who decides to use a restorative conversation and restorative justice instead of punitive measures. Charisma is able to channel her passion (often misread as anger or immaturity) into leading an after-school class revolving around social justice and finds her voice.

«Charisma’s Turn: A Story of Girls and Their Gifts» presents the story of Charisma, a student who faces several challenges not only at school but also at home.

I loved seeing Charisma's development and growth, especially her empowerment as a person.

I think it's a good read and that it conveys an important message, as it talks about topics such as racism, how young people overcome the challenges imposed on them, environmental problems, interpersonal relationships and the importance of the voice of each one for a better world.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charisma’s Turn is a wonderful graphic novel that reminds us every child has potential, if only we allow them the capacity to live up to it.

Charisma is a teenager stuck between getting in trouble at school, trying to help out at home, and striving to do well in her overall life. After being sent to the principal’s office, Charisma is given the chance to work with the school counselor instead of being sent home and suspended. This opportunity leads Charisma to discovering something she’s really passionate about, and she aims to make her voice heard.

While this book is aimed at children, I think it would be a wonderful book for teachers to pick up and read. It broke my heart a little bit being reminded at how so often students fall through the cracks or are discounted, and many schools simply don’t have the capacity to support kids like they should be supported.

This graphic novel is about a high school girl named Charisma who is trying to reach her full potential in spite of outside obstacles. This story really hit home for me. I am glad the author wrote this book to empower, inspire, and educate young African American girls. I enjoyed the bright, vivid, colorful illustrations that went well with the storyline. I loved the characters and the dialogue. This made the storyline go smoothly. The characters were realistic, relatable, and understandable. I really liked her counselor, Ms. Anderson. She helped Charisma to figure out that she is worthy. My takeaway from the story is the character finds her way and breaks generational cycles. The message in the book ring loud. This is my first time reading something by this author and it will not be my last. This book is for young girls, parents, and educators. I give this book 4 stars.

✨ Review ✨ Charisma’s Turn: A Graphic Novel by Monique Couvson

This book follows Charisma, a black high school student, who's having a hard time at school. The book shows the power of a teacher / staff member reaching out to try to understand her and what she's passionate about. the teacher engages with Charisma instead of just punishing her, and as a result, Charisma becomes really excited about climate advocacy and social justice because of her brother's asthma.

The illustrations weren't my favorite, but it might have been the quality of the scans in the review copy (the images felt just a little blurry).

Overall, a solid read, and one that's just as impactful (maybe more so) for teachers & adults to read as kids.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: YA graphic novel
Pub Date: 12 May 2023

Thanks to The New Press and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, The New Press, Monique Couvson, and Amanda Jones for the opportunity to read this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

"Charisma's Turn" is a story about black teenage girl named Charisma who feels injustice at school pointed at her because of skin colour and that makes her react very temperamental which of course causes trouble. One of the teachers decides to help using Charisma's energy into something useful for society.

I really enjoyed drawings in this comic book. They stand out from others which I like. The idea for the story is important and the ending message is meaningful. However the plot is rushing too fast and there were issues that didn't have time to shine when I thought it was needed for the sake of good storytelling. I would love to spend more time with the main character but unfortunately didn't get the chance to do it.

Charisma's Turn is a wonderful graphic novel for anyone who has ever struggled with a sense that the deck is stacked against them. The illustrations are vivid and enticing, and the story is of a young woman who is already feeling defeated by life and the way a kind faculty member helps her turn things around.
It's no one's fault that Charisma's little brother has asthma and needs extra care--or is it? Once Charisma becomes engaged in school and starts really researching issues of environmental justice, while at the same time learning ways to disarm her automatic reflex to strike out when she's angry, her whole community, and she herself, are awed by what she is able to do. A real feel-good title, though it points out that there is still work to be done; yet it also points the way to solutions through the untapped potential of kids like Charisma.

Charisma is a high school girl trying to find a place to belong. She's just gotten in trouble at school - again. This time, instead of dealing with the principal, she has to work with Ms. Anderson, the school counselor. This turns out to be a very good thing. Ms. Anderson sees Charisma's potential and helps her turn things around. This book is a great follow-up to Monique Courvson's previous book Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools. It speaks to the power of connection in the lives of Black girls and the importance of school staff, especially counselors, who can connect with them.

Thanks to The New Press and NetGalley for a review copy of Charisma's Turn.

Charisma always seems to be getting into trouble or at least everyone blames her for everything. She’s not a troubled teen. She just needs some guidance and someone to believe in her. She finds that in an unlikely person and it turns things around for her.

Charisma is like a lot of black kids at schools who are labeled as troublesome. When actually they just need someone to have their back and be there for them. When the only time you receive attention is when you’re acting out, they continue to do so because they need someone to pay attention. I’m glad that Charisma was able to find someone that would listen to her and help her find ways to help her. That’s all most of the youth need these days.

Thanks to NetGalley and special thanks to the publisher for helping me past my technical problems so I could read this ARC.
This one is special.
This graphic novel centers on a teen girl, Charisma, who has a tough life and tends to get into fights. But instead of punishing her yet again after a fight, a totally inspired counselor takes a look at her, realizes she has so much potential and figures out how to engage her and make space for her, and good things happen. I also love how this book mentions The Bluest Eye, and how it helped inspire Charisma. Sadly, this book is frequently challenged and banned. Highly recommended.

Charisma is a strong young woman without the skills to express the anger/frustration she feels at being overlooked in many ways.

With a dedicated mentor, and an honest chance, she shows how valuable she is and how some guidance and trust can change a child's mind.

I absolutely loved Charisma and how she transformed through these pages.

Fantastic story and beautiful artwork as well!

“There’s a better future for all of us, if we turn together.”


****SOME MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****

She was angry at the beginning, because she was misunderstood.
By the end of the book, we see an eager beaver, willing to learn and change the world around her.

I loved how her school counselor didn’t give up on her.
She gave her coping skills to help with her anger, while also empathizing with how she is feeling.