Chickenpox by Remy Lai (Allen & Unwin) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9781761068621
Reviewed by Kellie Nissen
Imagine being the oldest sibling with two sisters
and two brothers. Imagine always being told, “You’re the big sister,” by your
parents and being the only one who gets into trouble when things go wrong.
Imagine your only escape is going to school and spending (limited) free time
with your two best friends – who then see another side of you when you lose it
with your siblings.
Welcome to 12-year-old Abby Lai’s life in ‘the wild
zoo’.
And, if you think all of that is bad enough, now
imagine being quarantined at home, with your siblings, for at least seven days
when one of your best friends unknowingly gives you all chickenpox!
It’s enough to make Abby want to leave and live on
her own – except she can’t set foot out of the house, so maybe she’ll take over
the guest room. Unfortunately, the ghost stories she told her siblings may just
be truth.
In Chickenpox, author Remy Lai has delved
right into the thinking of a 12-year-old, with Abby’s desire to be seen as grown
up but not exactly enjoying all the responsibility. We also see the insecurity and
need to be liked that is common at that age, along with self-doubt and somewhat
unreasoned assumptions flying left, right and centre.
Central themes in Chickenpox include sibling
rivalry, growing up and the trials and tribulations of pre-teen friendships
(and budding relationships).
In this midgrade graphic novel, Lai explores some serious
issues in a lighthearted but not trivialised way that induces laughter,
‘been-there-done-that’ sympathetic groans and perhaps a few eye rolls in every
chapter.
The anime-like comic strip illustrations add to the
light touch and energy of the book, which is an easy and enjoyable read. Remy
Lai, who also illustrated the story, captures the emotions of the child
characters perfectly and, combined with the text, every reader will find
themselves making connections with the characters in that they’ll remind you of
yourself or someone you know.
While reading the story, I did have cause to wonder
how much of it was true and indeed, reading Lai’s author note at the end
reveals that (as with most narratives) it was based on actual events – although
she has changed the names for privacy. It just makes it all the more enjoyable trying
to work out which character is based on Lai herself – maybe the middle child
who is suspiciously named ‘Remy’, although I’m wondering if it’s actually Abby
herself who is based on the author?
Wondering aside, Chickenpox is a fun and fabulous
read that I believe will be thoroughly enjoyed by its target audience of
readers aged from 8 to 12.
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