The graphic novel, "Brownstone" is such an in-depth YA exploration of biracial identity. We connect with Almudena as she is forced to spend the summer with her estranged father. In the process of helping him remodel an old brownstone building she connects with him. She learns more about his neighborhood, their past, and herself.

This was an enjoyable read and I liked the art style too. The emotions expressed are strong and relatable. We take a look at birth vs. found family throughout the book and what it means to these characters.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

I review this book as part of my work on the Printz committee, but I due to committee policy I cannot share my specific thoughts or opinions here. I have rated it 5 stars because I am required to rate the book for this program, but please note this does not reflect my actual rating. I just want to thank you for providing this book for review!

#NetGalleyARC I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great story about how family is important and not all families are “traditional” in a sense. I loved the aspect of the MC learning about who she is and how her dad factors into her world. A great YA read for those who are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world.

"Brownstone" is an incredible exploration of biracial identity told through the lens of a young girl reconnecting with her estranged father. Over the summer, Almudena is forced to stay with her father, Xavier, and help him remodel an old brownstone building despite neither of them speaking each-other's language. While she works alongside him, she learns more about his neighborhood, their past, and herself. I really enjoyed this book and while I was immediately attracted to the art style, I found myself completely absorbed in the story. Almudena has very strong, very real emotions about staying with a father she barely knows; however, through getting to know the building and neighborhood, she's able to understand her father in a way she's never been able to before. Almudena felt like a real teenager, and also felt very timeless despite living in the 90's. There is a really strong narrative of birth vs. found family throughout the entire book, and a delightfully unexpected queer subplot! I'm certainly adding this book to my library's collection and I have no doubt it will circulate well.

This is a sweet and beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a young girl left by her slightly flaky white mom with the Guatemalan father she’s never known for the summer. Almudena doesn’t know or understand this side of her heritage; she doesn’t speak Spanish and knows little about her father’s neighborhood and culture. But while they do the physical work of renovating her father’s brownstone, father and daughter begin to forge a bond. Soon, Almudena feels a real connection to the neighborhood, her father, and the people in his life.

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING! I loved the found family, the learning of Guatemalan roots, and the processing of trauma. This book made me laugh, cry, and ultimately feel good. I also appreciated that not every story element had to have a bow on it. Somethings don't get resolved and this was a beautiful way to show that. I loved the art. This book was gorgeous. I can't wait to promote the hell out of this book with my high school students.