The Dark Matter of Mona Starr
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A bold and original YA graphic novel about one teen’s battle to understand her mental illness—and find her creative genius
Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She’s sweet, geeky, and creative, but it’s hard for her to make friends and connect with other people, and her depression seems to take on a vivid, concrete form. She calls it her Matter.
The Matter seems to be everywhere, telling Mona she’s not good enough and that everyone around her wishes she’d go away. But with therapy, art, writing, and the persistence of a few good friends, Mona starts to understand her Matter and how she can turn her fears into strengths.
Heartfelt, emotionally vulnerable, and visually stunning, The Dark Matter of Mona Starris a story about battling your inner doubts and fears—and finding your creative genius.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Laura Lee is amazing.
Laura Lee is an amazing person! I loved this book and would highly recommend for anyone, young adult or adult, dealing with depression and anxiety.
This book helped me more than you know, Laura Lee! Thank you. 💕