Skim by Mariko Tamaki illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

Tamaki, M. and Tamaki, J. (2008) Skim. NY: Groundwood Books.
ISBN: 978-0888997531
Awards: Ignatz Award (Outstanding Graphic Novel, 2008)
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book (2008)
ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Top Ten, Fiction, 2009)
ALA Rainbow List (Young Adult Fiction, 2009)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2009)
Eisner Award nominee (Best Publication for Teens/Tweens, 2009)
Eisner Award nominee (Best Graphic Album—New, 2009)
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Suicide, Homosexuality, Friendship, Love, Weight Issues
Genre: Graphic Novel, Coming of Age, Fiction
Annotation: Kimberly Keiko, nicknamed Skim because she is not, takes tenth grade on with all the awkwardness of a teen. Skim tries her hand at becoming a Wicca, falls in love, and deals with the school's grief over a students suicide.
Review: Kimberly Keiko, called Skim because she is not, is a Japanese Canadian in an all girl private school. Skim dabbles in the Wiccan arts with bossy friend Lisa and presents herself as a goth. Her falling in love with a female teacher only makes things harder. Skim's story overlays the story of a classmate, Katie, who is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself. Their school rallies together to deal with the grief, much to the dismay of Katie and Skim who end up being friends in the end.
Opinion: I really enjoyed this story. Though dealing with heavy issues of suicide, being gay (or not), and religious choices, author Tamaki manages subtlety and genuine emotion.