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.

“Did this place ever make you happy, Grandpa? Is this all there is?”

This wilderness-focused graphic novel for teens and tweens revolves around a protagonist named Ash. Ash grew up spending summer vacation at their family’s ranch in northern California, near Shasta-Trinity National Forest. They look forward to the trip every year, mainly because the ranch is where they first bonded with their grandpa Edwin and discovered their love for the environment. To Ash’s horror, the family has decided to sell the ranch following Edwin’s passing, and their visits will cease. However, Ash comes up with a crafty plan to sneak off during one final trip, tracking down their grandfather’s rumored cabin in the woods and living out their dreams of spending their days with only their dog, Chase, for company. Does Ash have the survival skills and nature knowledge they need to make it on their own?

I read Ash’s Cabin in one sitting because Jen Wang does such an excellent job keeping readers engaged and connected to the story. While Ash’s parents sometimes struggle to understand them, they are ultimately open-minded and incredibly loving. The real standout pairing of the book, however, is Chase and Ash. Their bond is incredibly evident throughout the book in the gorgeous illustrations. Chase is the definition of a loyal companion, supporting Ash unconditionally. Unfortunately, there was one heartbreaking situation where Ash handled Chase in an uncharacteristically selfish way. However, that was just one small flaw of this book in a sea of positive attributes. One of the aspects of the book that I appreciated was how the author blacked out the name whenever Ash was deadnamed by other characters, acknowledging Ash’s past and the ill treatment they receive while also finding a way to honor and respect them. Ash’s entire gender identity arc was handled very empathetically. I also valued the recognition for Native American cultures and knowledge, which made the book feel more educational without detracting from the narrative. Another standout was the heavy-hitting messages about how important it is to find the right people who are willing to organize and fight for the environment. Though Ash seems like a classic misunderstood teen at times, their passion for nature and sustainability really shines through in a unique and realistic way.

WOW!! A new classic perfect for fans of The hatchet by Gary Paulson or Alone by Megan E Freeman. This was a heartfelt, moving, California wilderness survival story featuring a young nonbinary teen, Ash who hikes into the woods in search of their grandfather's remote cabin. They learn how to survive for 48 days with only their dog for a companion before wildfires chase them back to civilization. Important messages of acceptance, environmental activism, climate change and queer identity pervade in this graphic novel that has amazing illustrations and is spare in text. I absolutely loved it!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Ash is a Chinese American nonbinary high schooler who is struggling to feel accepted by their family and peers. They are passionate about the environment and are still dealing with grief after their grandfather’s passing. Ash is convinced the only way they can be themself is to run away and live in the wilderness.
The art does a phenomenal job of expressing the pain felt by hearing one’s deadname (which is blacked out of the text) and feeling misunderstood and not supported by family.
The survival portion will be very appealing to teens and it’s a modern alternative to Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain for reluctant school assignment readers. Native history and survival techniques are incorporated into the text.
Highly recommend.

Jen Wang the creator that you are!!! I'm literally writing this with tears in my eyes after reading the whole thing in a day, mostly just in the last couple hours. What an intense and emotional read! I felt like I really understood Ash and why they did what they did, even if people might view it as extreme. And the ending really got to me! Just everything about this book was so real and and I feel like I felt it in my soul!! Not a light read for sure, but a very important and good one. Would recommend for anyone who like survival stories, and books with a focus on environmental issues. This is why I will read anything and everything that Jen Wang creates!!!

There was a lot to love about Jen Wang's graphic novel, Ash's Cabin. First and foremost, this is a book that I think middle grade students would really enjoy reading. The survivalist elements are captivating, and I appreciate that Wang truly highlights the challenges that come with living "off the grid" (even though the protagonist initially romanticizes the idea). The book also highlights the themes of identity, family, and isolation. From an adult perspective, I sometimes struggled with the choices made by the protagonist. (The parent/teacher in me felt nervous about their safety for most of the book.) But this tension also kept me turning the pages. This is one that I definitely plan to add to my 5th/6th grade classroom library.

This was a lovely and sentimental book. It really captures that late-adolescent feeling of needing to find your own way. I genuinely felt for Ash and their dog. I liked the focus on ethnobiology and being a good steward of the land. It's a great book for any reader who feels a bit out of place in modern life.

Every August Ash and her family have gone to the family ranch in northern California to visit her uncle, aunt and cousin. That all changes the year that Ash is about to turn 16 years old when her uncle and aunt plan to sell the ranch. Her parents have decided to go to Disneyland instead of going to the ranch and allow Ash and her dog Chase to stay at the ranch with just cousin Reese. Once Ash arrives at the cabin, Reese leaves her alone to attend some teen party. Part of her plan all along, Ash has set out to find the hidden secret cabin built near the ranch. With her prepared camping backpack, Ash and Chase learn, adapt and survive being in nature without modern conveniences. With excerpts on how to scour for food, sanitize water, build a shelter, deal with bears, etc., it was partyly nonfiction. This book was strongly reminiscent of a graphic novel I recently read on survival in the mountains.

Ash is a nonbinary Chinese-Irish Catholic-American. I always enjoy the diversity of her characters and her strong stories. This is a lovely coming of age novel that will appeal to young adults.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for purposes of an unbiased review.

Is this my favorite graphic novel of the year? YES, YES IT IS.

I really liked both Stargazing and The Prince & the Dressmaker, but Jen Wang honestly knocked it out of the park with this one. 10/10.

ASH'S CABIN comes out in a few weeks and I'd highly recommend it for any teen who loves outdoor survival stories, especially if they're looking for queer rep as well.

(Seriously, I'm OBSESSED.)

This book, is about the things a child goes through in life……wanting to be independent and trying to find yourself. I live in Wisconsin, and last summer a boy went missing. This book reminds me of that boy in the woods, camping on his own and finding himself. The boy in Wisconsin is still missing, whereas the child in this story ended up back home and happy with their self. I feel this book would also be good for adults to read, so they can understand children’s. Sometimes we adults forget what it’s like. Also times have changed and thugs are not always the same. A lot was also learned on the journey they took. I am going to suggest students to read this book, and also suggest to some of the staff I work with. I think the Sources of Strength group will also enjoy this book.

A story of a young person trying to find their place in the world. I really enjoyed this book. I could feel Ash’s hurt and heart in this wonderfully written graphic novel. I loved the illustration! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.