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.

Finished this in one sitting and promptly recommended it to my 9-year-old nature lover. I've been a fan of Jen Wang's work since The Prince and the Dressmaker, and every book cements her as an author whose work I can't wait to get my hands on.

I love graphic novels with a soft art style that deal with heavy subject matter gently, with a tender touch. These types of books pull at my heartstrings without making me feel crushed by the burden of existence, and that's a very difficult balance to pull off. Wang's art style is gorgeous, and yet it somehow doesn't steal the show from the story; the two elements work together seamlessly (another difficult balance).

I appreciated my time spent in Ash's world so much. Their respect for the natural world, and the time they invested in learning how to best care for it, impressed me greatly, especially at their age. I want my kids to read this one, not only because it's a beautiful story, but because it will help them to think more about the environmental impact of their actions.

This book was a wonderful journey, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I would have liked a bit more of a glimpse into Ash's life after re-entering the world of society, but other than that, there is nothing I disliked about this book. It's lovely.

Note: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

(Review also posted to Amazon, but I'm unable to link since it's still pending.)

A coming-of-age novel that really spoke to me and my childhood. Finding your place is hard and I loved reading about Ash finding theirs. I found everything about this book compelling. I felt like you could feel exactly what Ash was feeling through out the read. Even though this book is marketed towards a younger audience, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good story about finding your own way. Take an hour out of your day and give it a read.

Beautiful illustrations, important lessons about surviving in nature and connecting with yourself, and well-done LGBTQ+ representation.

This was absolutely beautiful. I’ve loved all of Jen Wang’s books but this is a new favorite. It was educational, sad yet hopeful, and had a dog sidekick — basically everything I look for in a book.

It's quite the survival story-- one that Ash sought because Ash was feeling overwhelmed by the emotions of their gender, lacking a connection to their grandpa who had passed away, and needing some space. Each year, Ash and family visit their uncle, aunt, and cousin in California but it's not going to happen this year but Ash finds a way to convince their family to stay with the teen cousin so that Ash can go into the woods and try to find the cabin that Ash's grandfather supposedly had to escape into nature. Ash isn't even sure it exists but is willing to try.

Ash preps with reading survival books, gathering supplies and food, and planning the cover/apology for going away but they think it's what's necessary. Ash even brings their dog as a companion and the book is approached as a diary of events.

It's quite the adventure- one that's a mix of old school books like Hatchet but the contemporary survival stories that have come out like Just Keep Walking, 49 Miles Alone, etc. but has a secondary function about finding out who you are-- since Ash has continually been deadnamed and needs to seek some peace.

This story just about broke me; I was tearing up at Ref while reading it. The loneliness, the pain, the feeling like your parents don't understand you. Just wow.

Cabin is more solemn and introspective compared to Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker's more lightheartedness. But it packs such a powerful punch.

LGBTQIA: nonbinary

A misunderstood teen grieving the death of their grandpa sets out to recover a forgotten piece of family history and disappear into the wilderness. Another banger from author and illustrator Jen Wang! The story is deeply emotionally resonant and poignant for our current time in climate change. A great YA graphic novel that I can't wait to add to the collection.

I don’t know how I feel about this book so I’m going to go over some aspects that stuck out to me.

1) I’ve been reading this author’s books for years and it was cool seeing how much she’s improved her art but still held on to her unique artistic style, even a decade later.

2) The main character Ashe, is highly unlikable. I understand they’re struggling. They’re both exploring their non-binary identity and has the typical teenage angst of finding their place in the world and struggling with friends. However, they were very arrogant to the point of stupidity. Not only that, they had the standard ‘I don’t need anyone!’ attitude a lot of teens have, so they ended up hurting their entire family and even gave their cousin anxiety attacks due to running away on her watch.

What was truly unforgivable though was how they treated their dog. It got a broken leg and gashes, but instead of putting an end to their wilderness retreat, and returning home to find a vet, they dump him on the side of the road.

There's a lot to love about this. The art work is absolutely beautiful, from the illustrations to the use of colour. And I loved the format of journal pages.

I had some trouble understanding Ash's motivations though, mainly because I wouldn't survive a day out in the woods and I can't comprehend why you would want to. I understood Ash wanting to find their grandad's cabin, but after they found it, the story quickly went downhill for me as it just all seemed very rosecoloured and unlikely.

The book finally lost me when Ash coming back home felt really glossed over. Everyone seemed to get over the whole situation very easily. I would have wanted a meaningful conversation between Ash and their family, at the very least.

Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang [First Second Books #gifted #netgalley]

In Ash's Cabin, we are introduced to Ash, a young high school student who feels the most comfortable when they are able to be alone, riding their bike, and helping the nature that they love. But their efforts to do these things is always thwarted by their family and classmates, which sends them spiralling. Ash thinks of their grandfather who once mentioned a cabin hidden in the woods by the family ranch and decides that that's where they are meant to be - away from everyone and finally alone. When the circumstances align, Ash sets off to do just that and finds that despite all their efforts learning and preparing how to live out in the wild, it's quite a challenge once they are actually there.

This graphic novel was a beautiful and touching story about growing up, dealing with the tensions between the self and society, and what it means to truly live on one's own out in the wild. It's a wonderful coming of age graphic novel that is reminiscent of The Hatchet but with more contemporary issues, featuring a Chinese American, LGBTQIA+ main character.