It's amazing that I'd never heard of Kathleen Gros until a couple weeks ago, and I've already read three of her graphic novels (oh, and she also created a story for the queer witchy anthology comic, 'The Witching Hours').
Set in the summer (obviously), in a fictional small town called Milforth, in Ontario, at a seaside and with forests and paths and roads for bike rides, and with colourful carousel horse making sprinkled throughout, 'Carousel Summer' is about tween girls figuring themselves out, and having the courage (and knowledge and education) to stand up for what they believe is right, and to be their true authentic selves. It is loaded with LBGTQ+ themes, and discussions on what it means and feels to be queer, especially when you are young, which is wonderful to see in a middle grade graphic novel.
Other themes include appreciating nature, community, thoughtfulness, supporting your local peoples and small businesses, letter writing, bike riding, single parenthood, coming out, loving your kids as their own persons with their own choices - accept and love who they are, it's not hard at all - and uncovering the downsides to gentrification (explained simply to readers), and by extension, capitalism.
It is such an important story for children to read - whether they are queer or not - and the same goes for adults. Many of them may wish they had had something like 'Carousel Summer' when they were young, and confused and trying to figure themselves out in a scary, hostile, hurtful and intolerant world.
I wasn't sure about the artwork at first, as I found it a bit too simple, basic and cartoony, but it grew on me. I grew to admire the bright, shiny colours of everything; much like on a carousel. The character designs and expressions are fitting and aesthetically pleasing.
'Carousel Summer' is just such an adorable, heartwarming, charming, vibrant, and refreshing all-ages graphic novel. Any flaws I can overlook, as it is a must-read. I can tell it was created from the heart, and from childhood experiences.
In case anyone was wondering, the other two Kathleen Gros graphic novels I've read are also queer coming-of-age reads for children: 'Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)' and 'Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of)'. 'Anne' is another one I like.
Quotes to take to heart:
'[...] The thing is, not telling kids about all the amazing possibilities of gender and sexual identities doesn't stop kids from being queer.'
'I know how hard the world can be, and I don't want it hurting you. But it's not fair for me to ask you to be anyone but yourself.'
'I think in wanting to protect you from the world, I ended up hurting you myself.'
'The world can be hard, but what makes it so much harder is when people stand apart and judge those of us who are a little different.'
Final Score: 4/5
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