Sugar Shack
by Lucy Knisley; illus. by the author; color by Whitney Cogar
Intermediate, Middle School    RH Graphic/Random    240 pp.
8/25    9780593125502    $21.99
Library ed.  9781984896919    $24.99
Paper ed.  9781984896902    $13.99
e-book ed.  9781984896926    $8.99

This third installment of the graphic-novel series (starting with Stepping Stones, rev. 5/20) finds Jen, a budding cartoonist and sensitive “tomboy,” adjusting to wintertime farm life with her newly blended family: her mother, her mother’s partner, and his daughters Andy and Reese, who live with them on weekends. Jen views Andy and Reese as sisters, but she struggles with the ambiguity of how her new family members perceive their relationship. The bulk of the emotionally resonant narrative reflects Jen’s everyday experiences (Saturdays at 4-H, farm chores, learning to make maple syrup, etc.), emphasizing themes of growth, change, friendship, and creativity. The family bonds as they blend their Christian and Jewish faith traditions with respect and cheer, and Jen is touched when she is thanked as a “sister” at Andy’s bat mitzvah. Through it all, Jen is always drawing. Doodle-filled pages from a spiral-bound notebook connect chapters, and a clever moment of meta cartooning at the climax affords readers a glimpse at what Jen’s future might hold. Soft illustrations in calming hues capture the cozy wintry setting with impeccable attention to detail. Back matter includes frequently asked questions about the author’s childhood (the inspiration for the series), a recipe for maple snow candy, and encouragement for cartoonists-to-be.

From the September/October 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.