Telgemeier, R. (2014). Sisters. New York: Scholastic.
Sisters is a graphic novel that tells of cross country trip with her family minus her Dad to see the sights and visit relatives.  Throughout the story, there are flashbacks that demonstrate the contentious relationship with her sister. The flashbacks which are colored slightly lighter blend with the chronicle of the long trip and all the mishaps.  Her younger sister, Amara, is always annoying and wants her way.  Raina can remember when she was first born and the difference,for the worse, Amara has made.  Telgemeier also recounts the family struggles and parental arguments as her Dad loses his job. The tension of these times, a cramped apartment and her baby brother being born are chronicled. Telgemeier hints to marital trouble as Dad doesn't go on the trip and is thinking about leaving to another job far away.  As they visit their relatives, it is painful obvious how much her cousins have changed and see her as a little girl. She is stuck in the middle not sure of who to hang out with during this family time. Snake-loving Amara is frustrating to her but she is starting to see her a little differently. Over the course of the trip, through car breakdowns, desert heat and a beloved walkman, Raina starts to enjoy the journey with her family.
Sisters is the companion to the New York Times bestseller, Smile. Sisters is a relatable to anyone that has been on a long road trip or had an annoying sibling. Telgemeier's graphic novel is enjoyable to read and provides fun for the reader along with flashbacks to the adult sharing the reading experience. Telgemeier along with the Hales and others have  helped popularized graphic novels with a storyline about real life beyond classic thought of superhero graphic novels.  This story is a great introduction to not only students but to their parents and educators that might have resisted graphic novels. Telgemeier has written other books as well including Drama and Ghosts. The books are also available in Spanish. She has a wonderful website www.goRaina.com that includes webcomics, illustrations and upcoming events.
Sisters is a book I could identify and viewed reading the book as a mirror as mentioned in the textbook.  I was the oldest girl with an annoying sister and little brother, a child of the 80s with a walkman on every trip. In the textbook, it talks about reading for the pure enjoyment. When my niece saw the book in my hand she immediately started talking about it with me. She had already read it but wanted my sister to read it with her to share that experience of loving a book together.