Kathy has a Thai mother and an American father. In Thailand she is seen as a “luk khrueng” (half child) given her bi-cultural background.

Most of the year Kathy lives in Bangkok, where she attends an English speaking international school. But every summer her family, including a older sister, travel to Maine. Kathy loves the food (clam chowder, blueberries, and eventually lobster) along with all the delights of coastal living.

Kathy though doesn’t seem to fit in and she feels different (both in looks and thoughts) than others her age. She’s excited and worried about spending 3 weeks at a summer camp.

Continental Drifter is a graphic novel that vividly displays the emotions of living in two worlds. This will hit home with readers who have ever felt unconnected with their family and peers.

Not all is resolved but by book’s end, Kathy has a different outlook and seems to see that obstacles are creating the person she will become. A well-done and honest debut. The author also includes many of her own family photos in the back pages, a nice connection to the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy MacLeod is an illustrator and cartoonist whose work has appeared in The Believer, Catapult, The Hairpin, and Lucky Peach. After spending most of her life in Bangkok, Thailand (with a four-year interlude at Wesleyan University), she is currently living in Berlin, Germany. Continental Drifter is her first graphic novel.

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What time is it? Time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday! Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

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