Operatic by Kyo Maclear: A #BookReview

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good Graphic Novel. See my thoughts below on Operatic!

Somewhere in the universe, there is the perfect tune for you.

It’s almost the end of middle school, and Charlie has to find her perfect song for a music class assignment. The class learns about a different style of music each day, from hip-hop to metal to disco, but it’s hard for Charlie to concentrate when she can’t stop noticing her classmate Emile, or wondering about Luka, who hasn’t been to school in weeks. On top of everything, she has been talked into participating in an end-of-year performance with her best friends.

Then, the class learns about opera, and Charlie discovers the music of Maria Callas. The more she learns about Maria’s life, the more Charlie admires her passion for singing and her ability to express herself fully through her music. Can Charlie follow the example of the ultimate diva, Maria Callas, when it comes to her own life?

This evocatively illustrated graphic novel brilliantly captures the high drama of middle school by focusing on the desire of its finely drawn characters to sing and be heard.

~

Operatic by Kyo Maclear recently came into the library. I knew as soon as I saw the cover that I wanted to read it!

The graphic novel follows a girl named Charlie as she navigates through her last year of Middle School. Throughout the year she reflects on dealing with her crush, school bulling and finding her confidence/living your true self. While doing an assignment for her music class, Charlie connects with the music from famous opera singer Maria Callas. Through exploring music, Charlie also begins to reflect on insecurities & how they influence everyday actions.

I loved this graphic novel! The illustrations are stunning and the story was sweet & relatable. I loved how Charlie’s story played out. She starts off shy and unsure of herself

Maclear does a fabulous job of discussing insecurities growing up and finding confidence in who you are. I really connected with Charlie’s story because growing up music meant everything to me and was a way (besides through books) that I could deal with emotions and life situations. 

Eggenschwiler’s illustrations were some of my favorites that I’ve seen lately. The artwork really captures this story & I loved how music was visualized within this graphic novel. Absolutely stunning & will definitely be looking into what other work Eggenschwiler has created.

Overall this was a fast read, but definitely one that left an impression!

Have you read Operatic? What do you think about how music was illustrated? Let me know below! 

Happy Reading!

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