4.5/5

This graphic novel was such an emotional journey and a beautiful lesson on our relationships with nature.

When I was in grade 3, our class read Hatchet by Gary Paulson and I LOVED it. So, when Ash started to learn all about survival and camping skills, it brought me right back to my old classroom! (Funnily enough, the author even included Hatchet as a reference at the back of the book!) Learning about the camping skills as well as all of the ethnobotanical facts of that area was so interesting and I think this book would be an excellent choice for classrooms.

This book is told primarily through Ash’s journal entries and follows their emotional journey of grieving their grandpa, figuring out and embracing their identity, and self-actualization - all topics that could have been extremely heavy and slow for some readers, never mind younger readers. However, I thought the pacing was just right and the setting was used very thoughtfully to demonstrate the bigger picture and theme of the story.

There was a moment near the end where I thought I was going to cry because I was so invested in Ash and Chase’s adventure! I am so glad that the author didn’t kill Ash’s familiar because I wouldn’t have been able to handle that.

I really enjoyed this book and can see myself reading this every late summer/early fall.

Ash doesn't fit in at school, and doesn't fit in at home, and decides to run away to find a cabin in the woods that their grandfather built decades ago. I loved the illustration style, and how much of the story was told without spoken dialogue through Ash's journal entries to help convey the total loneliness of the woods. I also loved how the author handled Ash's nonbinary identity and blacked out their deadname rather than unnecessarily reveal it while showing how some family members didn't accept the change.

Ash has always felt alone and the only person who ever understood them was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, Grandpa Edwin used to talk about the secret cabin in the woods he was building, deep in the California wilderness. Not really knowing if it was real or not, Ash decides to go find it and start fresh, completely on their own - well, with their dog, Chase.

I didn’t realize when I first asked for an ARC of this book, that it was from the same author as The Prince and the Dressmaker, so it was really fun finding that out.

I really loved the artwork in this graphic novel and the structure of it almost being like a memoir of Ash’s. I of course loved Chase and their relationship with Ash (loved that Ash called Chase their familiar, cause I say that about my oldest cat).

Was Ash really naïve when it came to living on their own in the wilderness? Yes, absolutely. Did the graphic novel look at all this with rose colored glasses and kind of “fix” or “solve” everything bad that happened? Yes, but it’s also a YA graphic novel, so I’ve kind of given it the benefit of the doubt.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story that talked about really finding your own place in the world and what it really takes to do it all on your own. Yes, there is a big focus on climate change and what one can do about it, but I didn’t feel like it was the absolute main focus of the book.

*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Teen Ash, feeling metaphorically isolated from both their peers and family, embarks on an unsanctioned quest to their deceased grandfather's possibly aspirational rather than actual isolated Northern California wilderness cabin. Ash's journal entries provide full insight into their thoughts and emotions, even when their interactions are mostly limited to their aging canine companion, and Wang expertly chooses to periodically broaden the storytelling lens to provide greater context for their experiences. Readers are sure to make a compassionate connection to Ash's struggles, even if they don't share their concerns about the environment and more.

I'm a big fan of Jen Wang’s storytelling and artwork, so I was really excited to read Ash’s Cabin. As expected, it’s another beautifully illustrated story from Wang. I really felt for Ash, and I think young teens will relate to their character—especially the feelings of loneliness and alienation.

I've seen comparisons between this graphic novel and Hatchet, but since I haven't read Hatchet, I can’t speak to that. Ash’s Cabin is more somber in tone than Wang’s previous graphic novels. However, I think if you’ve enjoyed Wang’s past work, you’ll appreciate this one too.

I enjoyed this book, though it wasn't always an easy read. The artwork was gorgeous, and the story hit me where it hurt at times. It ended on a relatively hopeful note, despite the inability to resolve some of the issues that lead to the problems in the first place. Unfortunately, that is just where the world is right now. We just have to keep working together to improve it.

Ash's Cabin is a coming-of-age tale with a nonbinary protagonist at its heart. Ash feels like a typical teenager with their fantasy of living alone, but Ash actually puts this fantasy into action. Their struggle that becomes the norm is a great adventure tale for teens, especially with the message at its heart: peace happens wherever you want it to, not just alone. The mix of illustrated prose and graphic novel segments make it a good start for readers who are reluctant to read traditional novels. The only hang-up I have is that it may glorify running away a bit too much, but I am reading this as an adult, so take that opinion with a grain of salt.

Feeling out of place and unheard in their everyday life, Ash makes a plan to find their grandfather's hidden cabin and escape to live there on their own. Ash spends a considerable amount of time and thought on the planning process, but of course it all goes wrong when they begin the actual journey. But, Ash is strong and smart and determined and manages to work out the kinks. Ash and their dog Chase are all alone in the wilderness. But is this really the life Ash wants? Absolutely gorgeous art highlights a quiet story of inner examination and reflection.

I received an ARC of this from a Publisher's Weekly Grab a Galley event. I really enjoyed it. The art is warm and soft and very nice, and the story speaks to the search for identity, connection, and need to be heard that we all experience. As an adult, I found myself internally screaming at Ash for the preparations they were making to live alone in the wilderness. But at the same time, I could help but root for them to succeed, seeing the pain and loneliness they felt so much of the time. Overall, a solid read!

Ash's Cabin is the perfect outdoorsy coming-of-age tale. Jen Wang's art style never fails and, having loved The Prince and the Dressmaker, I knew this was another one I was going to have to read immediately. With wonderful artistic depictions of the outdoors, mountains, and camping as well as nonbinary and Chinese representation, this is a graphic novel you won't want to miss!

A wonderful story about self-reliance for middle grade readers. Ash's journey to her Grandfather's cabin is inspiring and a testament to her independence. A story for kids and teens who feel that they don't fit into this world. Awesome!

Ash is, in a way, silently screaming. The world is in a climate crisis. They are exploring their gender and who they are. The big issue though is that no one is listening. Except for Chase, their dog, and the memories of Grandpa. Somewhere on park lands, near the family ranch that Ash loves, is small cabin Ash's grandfather used to go to just to be alone. Ash decides it is time to make a plan and to survive in the wilderness. What begins as getting away from everyone turns into a long journey of self-discovery and realizing that sometimes, it's better not to go it alone, but to find others and speak up.

I almost missed the end of my lunch break for this one. I was thoroughly absorbed. Ash meticulously plans and the reader is desperate to know: what happens next. How long do they survive? How do they survive? Will they survive? This isn't just a graphic novel of self-discovery, it's about our actions and our connections to the greater community, this planet we call Earth. While the environmentalism isn't in the forefront, it is woven throughout the tale. Another beautiful, heart-string tugging work by Jen Wang. Absolutely recommend.

This is Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain for a new generation! Jen Wang's work is always beautiful, thoughtful, and poignant, and even though the protagonist of Ash's Cabin is a high schooler, I'll definitely be acquiring this to share with my fourth- and fifth-graders. I can think of a lot of kids who will enjoy this, from fans of the I Survived and Girls Survive series to readers of Breena Bard's graphic novels. Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

I love jen wangs graphic novels, and this one is now my favorite of theirs! The art style as always is gorgeous, but I connected with this story more than I have any of their books. I am a trans outdoors guide, so this book of a nature obsessed queer teen running of the the woods spoke to who I am as a reader. Jen is spectacular at drawing heart emotional scenes and building in depth characters. My favorite book as a kid was Hatchett, and this book reminded me of why I loved it so much, wish I had this book as a kid.

I’ve been following Jen Wang’s work for years, and was very excited to learn she has a new graphic novel. Ash’s Cabin was absolutely beautiful, both heart wrenching and hopeful. Majority of the story is expressed through Ash’s journaling, which really serves to convey how alone Ash feels at the start. Wang’s art is gorgeous and expressive, utilizing a muted color palette and lots of texture. This style works really well for the landscape Ash moves through, instilling a sense of the quietness and magnitude of being alone in the wilderness. For a good portion of the story I really had no idea how this would turn out, the suspense building while I wondered what it would take for Ash to return home, or if they would instead be found. While this wilderness story could be likened to Hatchet, it is also very different in that Ash chose to strike out on their own. I felt very deeply for this young person finding their way in our world, and I can see this story being an important one for many readers who might also feel alone in spite of how much they care. I look forward to reading the physical copy, and to including it in YA library displays.

Ash’s Cabin is a great read.

Ash is having identity issues and feels misunderstood and alone even in a room full of people. They feel strongly that running away and finding their grandpa’s cabin in the woods will be the solution to all of their problems, allowing them to connect with nature and find peace.

I spent the majority of the novel absolutely wracked with anxiety: worried about Ash, Chase (the goodest boy ever) and the people at home who had no clue were Ash was. As it’s all from Ash’s perspective, you don’t see what’s going on behind the scenes until Ash does- this gap in our knowledge definitely creates more tension.

What Ash does is irresponsible but ultimately so courageous- I think Ash is, paradoxically, embracing life by going out there and attempting to make their own space in the world.

I loved all of the details about survival, bushcraft, foraging and making the most of your surroundings. Ash’s growth is massive.

I loved the illustrations, and the gorgeous honeyed tones and the variation in the way the text was presented. I’m going to read everything by Jen Wang now!

In the UK, this is most suitable for Y7+

Thanks to the author and First Second Books for the eARC vis NetGalley.

Ash’s Cabin is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet but with more contemporary issues.

Ash feels misunderstood by everyone — their peers, their siblings, their parents. The only person who really seemed to get them was their grandfather. Ash decides that if they can find grandpa’s cabin, maybe it will be a special place. A place where they can be themselves, away from all the noise.

Ash’s plans are dangerous, yes, but they make sense to them. And that’s what makes sense with Jen Wang’s character study. In Ash, Wang explores gender identity in a way that will feel right to readers.

Wang’s distinct artwork, rendered in muted earth-tone watercolors, sets the tone. Emotion plays out in her illustrations, and her settings are beautiful.

Ash’s Cabin is a fast-moving graphic novel — I read it in one sitting — that stays with you days after completion. It won’t be a good fit for everyone, but it will resonate with the readers who need it most.

This coming-of-age graphic novel is from best-selling author and illustrator Jen Wang, a story about young Ash, who feels alone and misunderstood, and decides that finding Grandpa Edwin’s cabin in the woods could mean a fresh start. Ash leaves home, with survival gear, supplies, and dog, prepared to create a new life in the California wilderness. It is a powerful and heart-wrenching story on multiple levels.

Firstly, this is a beautiful book. Looking at a single page—drawings of nature, rich in color and detail—sometimes stopped me in my tracks, even though I read this book in one sitting. The artwork is why I would go back and look through ‘Ash’s Cabin’ again, because it was that visually captivating,

Thematically, this is one of the most ambitious middle-grade/YA graphic novels I’ve read in a while, not just for the fact that it approaches gender identity and self-discovery, but while Ash is on this personal journey, there are complexities, especially surrounding the implications and dangers of running away, that may need further discussion with some readers;. Two themes that be explored further are the family relationships, as well as mental health. The emotional gravity behind some of the actions, as well as the weight of understanding gender identity remain with you. Even though Ash embarks on a journey that could have had a far more serious outcome, we applaud the courage but empathize with the motivations.
A young person, one who learning about their place in the world, their gender identity, and sense of self; will hopefully take away the beauty of Ash’s story … and not feel so alone.

This is a perfect hi-lo coming of age book as it is accessible to all levels of readers from the perspective of a high school student who feels misunderstood and ignored. Topics of loss, running away to be alone in the woods, gender identity, and parents who make decisions that don’t take into consideration what the teen wants or needs will resonate with many teens. I’d recommend this for older teens (14+) as there were some issues with a lack of appropriate consequences despite the reality of possible problems with trying to live on one’s own are mentioned.

I loved the artwork the most. The main character was complex and relatable. However, the transitions were unbalanced and somewhat confusing.

Thank you to First Second Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this accessible graphic novel.

This graphic novel tackles the topics of gender identity, depression and social isolation by having a protagonist who seeks physical isolation as well. Ash has recently chosen a new name and a new look. Their father thinks the behavior is a phase, and refers to them using their feminine birth name. Ash loved visiting their cousin's ranch every summer and wishes to escape to the secret cabin that Grandfather claims to have built in the woods. Ash seeks to find the cabin and find one's self. So the teen studies survival skills, and plans their escape to the wilderness. This is where a story about a troubled teen becomes a survival adventure tale. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous. But I has trouble maintaining my empathy for the main character. They hide from search crews and never give consideration to the trouble and fear that they are causing others. Ash only returns when staying hidden becomes an impossibility. Although some people's feelings were touched upon briefly, I felt that the story should have had more consequences for Ash. That change would have made this otherwise great graphic even better.

I received an electronic advanced copy of this book, but the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I recommend this book for youngsters who enjoy survival tales and adventure stories.