Wang, Jen. Ash’s Cabin. Jen Wang, Illus. First Second, 08/2024. 320pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-250-75405-9. GRADES 7–12. OUTSTANDING.
Sixteen-year-old Ash is determined to find their grandfather’s fabled Northern California “cabin in the woods” and live there alone with their dog Chase. Leaving their deadname, school, and family behind, Ash preps for living in the wild by using their school library to gather info on native plant life, wilderness living, and survival skills. They journal about their journey, finding that it’s hard to live off the land and learning that fear, illness, and living within the confines of nature can be just as difficult as living among humans. While they do find the ramshackle cabin and start to make a go of living there, a wildfire brings Ash back to their family; their parents commit to listening to them more, and Ash begins to tentatively rebuild their relationships and establish new ones. Graphic illustrations are done in muted watercolors, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil, maintaining the late autumn color palette which informs Ash’s mood and surroundings. An outstanding graphic novel that respects and feels authentic to one teen’s experience; Ash reads as nonbinary/trans. Includes California-specific content.
Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library