Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Chickenpox

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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