Title: Ash’s Cabin
Author: Jen Wang
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: August 13, 2024
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Summary
Ash has always felt alone. They love being outside, and the feeling of the wind in their hair when riding their bike. But it doesn’t seem like anyone at school or anyone in their family cares about the environment as much as they do. No matter how much they try to get them to care.
When Ash remembers a story about their Grandpa Edwin building a secret cabin in the woods, they decide to make it their goal to find it. It seems like a good place to start a new life, and escape society for a little while. But surviving out in the woods all by yourself isn’t as easy as it might look. Can Ash make it on their own?
Review: Ash’s Cabin
Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang! At its core, this is a graphic novel about survival and figuring out how you fit into the world. Wang nails the voice of a teenager, and the art works so well for the subject matter. This is a sort of quiet story, but one that teens who like survival stories will definitely enjoy. Fair warning, there is a bear attack and Ash’s dog gets injured.
Because Ash is alone for a good portion of this book, you really get to know them as a character. They have such drive; determined to live off the land on their own, believing they don’t need anyone else to be happy. There’s a lot of great stuff packed into this graphic novel that would make excellent discussions, especially paired with a book like My Side of the Mountain or even Hatchet.
Wang includes extra reading at the back of the book, adding even more depth to the overall story. There’s so much to like about this book, and I hope it reaches the right hands when it comes out in August!
4.5 stars