Sisters

Raina awakes on the last morning of the family reunion, and it is as if she is weighed down by all the tension, arguments, confusion, and uneasiness that has pervaded the trip. Conflict between Raina and Amara, and between Mom and Dad, has led Raina to a point of exhaustion and wanting to shut down. Throughout the novel, small indications in facial expressions, reactions, and dialogue foreshadow Mom’s admission that she and Dad are having relationship problems and needed a break, and this is made most evident at the airport scene as Dad is getting ready to catch his flight. As Amara is often the only one to be straightforward about her feelings, Dad often communicates his thoughts through veiled jokes: “Now you know the real reason I can’t ride home with you, Will. I’d just drive your mother crazy” (158-59). Mom can be seen folding her arms and rolling her eyes in reaction to this statement, as if she knows exactly what Dad really means. Amara is once again the only one to be totally honest: “But the rest of us driving each other crazy is acceptable? Don’t look at me— you made this awkward all on your own” (159).

Much like the storm metaphorically foreshadows conflict ahead, the breaking down of the van symbolizes a breaking point in the family dynamic. It ironically happens just as Mom assures the kids that everything is going to turn out fine. Everyone has had enough of fighting and ignoring their issues, and when Amara and Raina are left isolated in the van together, they have no choice but to resolve their conflict. Amara makes a vital observation about Raina’s disconnection from the world and her family, and for once, Raina actually takes Amara’s observation to heart. The sun beating down on them as they sit together in the desert is a symbol of the truth that is revealed in their conversation. After their time in the sun, the tension between them has melted away and they come to an understanding between one another: The final pages of the novel show Raina as she takes her headphones off and looks at Amara apologetically, and it is followed with a scene of Raina, Amara, Mom, and Will, smiling and talking together. Amara smiles to herself as a sense of relief washes over her face and the van drives off into the sunset. The Differences between Raina and Amara may not be fully resolved after one road trip, but it is clear that better times are ahead, and that whatever happens between their parents, Raina and Amara can always rely on one another.

Telgemeier’s graphic novels are structured and illustrated in such a way as to make them accessible by all types of readers and learners, particularly visual learners, reluctant readers, and children who are learning English as a second language. Raina understands her young audience and intentionally bolds words that are important for understanding the story or characters’ motives and emotions: “This is the most meaningful gift ever!!!” (155); “We’re going to drive home along the southern route!” (160). The word “ever” is bolded to denote Amara’s enthusiasm, and the word “southern” is bolded to foreshadow upcoming problems such as being stuck in the hot van in the middle of the desert. Sound effects and onomatopoeia are also used, such as the knocking of a door, the “SLUMP” (163) of Raina as she falls over in frustration, or the “SPUTTER” (169). of the van as it breaks down. Braden Lamb’s coloring style is particularly evident in the closing scenes of the novel, which are accented with the vibrant orange of the sunset. The climax of the story, in which the snake emerges, and the girls start to understand one another, is also the moment when Raina confronts her Fear of snakes. It is followed by a short denouement, where the reader gets the sense that Raina feels more prepared for the Unexpected knowing she has the support of her sister. The story ends with a sunset, symbolizing the closing of the story and the peace that the family feels as they drive home to California.