THE ZABÎME SISTERS

The final published work from the late French comics artist is a whimsical, meandering jaunt through the chaos and possibility of adolescence. Aristophane chronicles the exploits of sisters M’Rose, Ella and Célina on the day they embark on their summer vacation on the tropical isle of Guadeloupe. He captures the anxieties and joys of adolescent hormones and emotions through an episodic story line that sees the girls finding their way in and out of trouble—and possibly love. The pen-and-ink panels are often undefined and cluttered, a visual exploration of the journey to adulthood. The sharp angles and nuanced shadowing of the characters are set against the undefined patterns and dense foliage of the jungle, evoking a simultaneous sense of unease and excitement that adult readers will recall from their own teenage years. A moving exploration of youth and its follies that may be more appreciated by adults than those in the throes of it. Includes an afterword by translator Madden and a reading-group guide. (Graphic novel. 13 & up)