Review: Fresh Start

By Gale Galligan

New York: Graphix, 2025. Graphic novel. 270 pages.

Ollie Herisson is only in 7th grade, but she has already lived all over the world. Her father is an American diplomat, whose job has taken their family to France, Singapore, Thailand (where her mom is from), and now to Chestnut Falls, Virginia. Ollie loves that her family doesn't stay in one place very long, it allows her to have a fresh start and hide from any embarrassing moments each time they move. But Ollie's parents have big news -- they've decided to buy a house in Virginia and put down roots. Now, Ollie and her younger sister Cat have to figure out how to build lasting friendships which means resolving conflict rather than running away when things get hard.

Loosely based on the author's own childhood experiences, this graphic novel is sure to be popular with readers who like coming of age stories. Watching Ollie learn to think of others as she advocates for her sister Cat, and navigates friendships feels really rewarding. Ollie's Thai American identity is an important part of this story as well, as her mother pushes her to act more feminine and more Thai -- even if it doesn't feel comfortable to her. We also get to see Ollie at her most comfortable -- drawing manga and talking anime with her new friends. This coming-of-age story is great for tweens who are starting to understand themselves a little bit more, bonus if they're into fandom.

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