Almost American Girl is a story that many, including myself, can easily relate to. We’ve all at one point in our lives made an effort to “belong” to something. Whether that be a classroom, friend groups, strangers, or a situation overall. We’ve all been there, jittery and not knowing what to expect on the first day of school. The first day of school can be set as the mood for this comic. Except, the main character describes this exact feeling throughout the whole storyline. I find that this story raises awareness in bullying, from first person perspectives, even to those who can’t relate in the beginning. The story touches on topics of racism, belonging, and internal conflict. You’ll get to view her journey as she tries to navigate her new life in an entirely different country, with language and culture shock following along.

If you have enjoyed titles by Raina Telgemeier, such as Smile or Guts, then you will definitely enjoy Almost American Girl. The comic style is very much similar, in its content and drawings. The ages of the characters lie between their teen years, which is something many of us can relate to on some level. Unlike other comics, you’ll never feel bored while reading because there’s a perfect balance of storyline and action going on. This is the one thing I’ve noticed while reading this novel plus other books from Raina Telgemeier.

If you have a short attention span, this novel will be the right one for you to pick up. It can keep you reading for long periods of time without getting bored. Almost American Girl is a story that tells on the journey of a young teenage girl who’s just traveled to Korea. The struggle she deals with is very relatable and I believe many teenagers can find comfort in. The journey she goes through is very heartfelt and it’ll leave you understanding perspectives of those or situations like her’s. So if you enjoy fast-paced stories and characters who are loving with meaningful stories, then this comic is the one for you!