The Dark Matter of Mona Starr

Pain—physical and emotional—isn’t always visible, but Gulledge clearly visualizes Mona Starr’s depression—or, as she calls it, “the Matter”—in a graphic novel based on her own experience. After Mona’s best friend moves away, the high school violinist, a self-described “creative oddball” within her science-minded family, agrees to work with a therapist on her pervasive anxiety and depression. As she begins observing patterns (“My Matter thrives on doubt”), learns useful practices, and makes new friends, Mona slowly establishes a support system and works to break her cycles. She continually struggles with how her Matter manifests, pushing her friends away and finally getting help when a pain her doctors initially dismiss turns out to be a major intestinal issue. In black-and-white art with yellow highlights, Gulledge (Will & Whit) melds the surreal with the physical, rendering Mona’s Matter evocatively as a suffocating black flame, an endless void, and a deep, solitary hole. Similar in content to Raina Telgemeier’s Guts, this story critically normalizes self-care as its protagonist learns to become vulnerable and advocate for herself and her needs. Useful back matter includes the author’s care plan and a worksheet for readers to generate their own. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 12–up. [em](Apr.) [/em]