Estrela, Joana. Pardalita. Joana Estrela, Illus. Translated from the Portuguese by Lyn-Miller Lachmann. Levine Querido, 04/2023. [216]pp. Graphic. Trade $21.99. 978-1-64614-255-2. GRADES 8 – 12. OUTSTANDING.
Set in a small town in Portugal, the story’s central character Raquel develops feelings for Pardalita, an artistic, enigmatic girl who attends the same high school. Both girls present as white. The illustrated novel contains striking b&w comic panels and single images interspersed with short vignettes written by Raquel. Using simple but descriptive language and phrasing, the sixteen-year-old chronicles cutting her hair short, being suspended from school, breaking up with her boyfriend, and hanging out with best friends in a town she describes as so familiar that “I could cross (it) with my eyes closed.” The story slowly and gently builds as Raquel joins a local theater group and grows closer to Pardalita. Translated from the Portuguese, Raquel’s experiences provide an interesting window into teen life in another country. Although some things are different, her struggles around identity and belonging will resonate with young adult readers everywhere.
Jenny Andrus—Independent