The Dark Matter of Mona Starr: A Graphic Novel by Gulledge, Laura Lee

Eisner Award-nominated author Laura Lee Gulledge's The Dark Matter of Mona Starr isa bold and original YA graphic novel about one teen's battle to understand her mental illness--and find her creative genius.

Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She's sweet, geeky, and creative, but it's hard for her to make friends and connect with other people, and her depression seems to take on a vivid, concrete form. She calls it her Matter.

The Matter seems to be everywhere, telling Mona she's not good enough and that everyone around her wishes she'd go away. But with therapy, art, writing, and the persistence of a few good friends, Mona starts to understand her Matter and how she can turn her fears into strengths.

Heartfelt, emotionally vulnerable, and visually stunning, The Dark Matter of Mona Starr is a story about battling your inner doubts and fears--and finding your creative genius.

"This immersive portrayal of a sensitive teen learning to live with mental illness will earn nods of recognition from readers coping with anxiety or depression but will also resonate with young people facing any fear." --School Library Journal (Starred Review)


Author: Laura Lee Gulledge
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 04/07/2020
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.50w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781419742002
Age Range: 13-17

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.3
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 516788 / Dark Matter of Mona Starr


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 01/01/2020 pg. 86
Publishers Weekly 02/24/2020

About the Author
Laura Lee Gulledge is the author of the graphic novels Will & Whit and Page by Paige, which was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award. She is also a teaching artist as seen through her interactive book Sketchbook Dares: 24 Ways to Draw Out Your Inner Artist. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.