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Next Stop
CCBC Review:
The Sunset Tours desert bus tour culminates in a visit to the purportedly magical Cessarine Lake, which draws individuals who are, for one reason or another, seeking a miracle. Pia (Asian American) is one such traveler; the miracle she seeks is gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Traveling without parental supervision, Pia befriends Sam (white) and gets to know other families in the group during stops at gimmicky tourist traps like the World’s Smallest Corn Maze, the Stairway to Nowhere, and a cactus-themed amusement park. Sepia-colored flashbacks to the preceding months show Pia and her parents navigating her mother’s severe depression following the accidental death of Pia’s little brother, Ben. When she reaches the underground lake, Pia places one of Ben’s action figures in the water, hoping against hope that the lake’s magic will somehow fix the tragedy that Pia believes is her fault: Ben drowned on her watch. Deftly balancing quirky humor with deep emotion, this heartfelt graphic novel explores grief, guilt, and the gentle healing power of friendship. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Debbie Fong
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 9-13
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Graphic Novel
Subjects:
Asian Americans
Depression
Grief and Loss
Guilt and Remorse
Humor
Diversity subject:
Asian
Publishers:
Random House, RH Graphic
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 249
ISBN: 9780593425206
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Fong
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